The Ultimate Whisky Tour Has Come To London
We all have that person in our life who loves whisky, and now, we’ve found the perfect event just for them. To celebrate The Grand Sumo Tournament’s return to London, leading Japanese whisky brand Hibiki has teamed up with some of the city’s top bars and bartenders to create a range of limited edition cocktails.
In Partnership With Hibiki
Drawing on the spirit of sumo and Japan’s deep-rooted traditions of craft and ceremony, each cocktail tells its own story, reflecting the meticulous artistry that sits at the heart of Japanese whisky culture. The result? The ultimate whisky tour — here’s everything you need to know.
About the tour
From now until the end of December, 24 of London’s most loved bars will feature a handful of unique cocktails. We’re talking dive bars, listening haunts, and fancy Mayfair spots; there is somewhere for everyone, with cocktails made with a range of flavours. Think: matcha-infused Old Fashioneds and elegant highballs, to cocktails inspired by Tokyo’s listening bars. Each of the participating venues represents one of the 24 facets of the Hibiki bottle, symbolising Japan’s 24 Sekki seasons.
Cocktail highlights
K Bar at Kensington Hotel – Hibiki Dohyo
Available from: Now until 31st November
There’s something unmistakably cinematic about sipping a cocktail in K Bar at The Kensington. With its oak-panelled walls, mirrored accents and soft, golden lighting, the space captures a rare kind of old-school glamour. The Hibiki Dohyo fits right in: a refined blend of Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Jade Sword green tea and Sumo orange. Smooth, aromatic and perfectly balanced, it’s a drink that mirrors the bar itself – elegant, composed, and just a little bit indulgent.
As someone who doesn’t usually like whisky, Hibiki is actually very smooth – it tastes expensive. I even love the bottle, which would look great on a bar cart.
Natasha, Digital Editor
The Donovan Bar – Sumotori
Available from: Now until 31st December
Step into The Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel, one of London’s most iconic, historic venues. Named after legendary fashion photographer Terence Donovan, the bar is a treasure trove of stories and style. Here, cocktail maestro Salvatore Calabrese crafts exceptional drinks like the Sumotori – a vibrant blend of Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Manzanilla Sherry, crème de pêche, Mancino Sakura, and soda. It’s a playfully sophisticated serve, perfect for savouring amid the bar’s richly storied surroundings.
The Spy Bar at Raffles – The Dohyo Highball
Available from: Now until 31st December
Tucked away beneath Raffles London, The Spy Bar is one of the city’s coolest bars. Once the secret domain of MI5, it’s now a sleek, subterranean spot. The Dohyo Highball is the drink to order: a refreshing mix of Hibiki Harmony whisky, Genmaicha tea, Amazake, and fig leaf soda. Created to mark Sumo’s return to London after 34 years, it is a clever nod to Japan’s national sport, earthy, balanced and quietly ritualistic. If you love a drink with a story (and a side of mystery), this one is worth going underground for.
Hibiki isn’t too strong compared to some whiskies, it’s balanced with a unique, floral aftertaste.
Rufus, Contributing Entertainment Writer
8 at The Londoner – Tare Old Fashioned
Available from: Now until 29th November
Perched high above Leicester Square, 8 at The Londoner is one of the city’s most stylish rooftops. As the nights turn cooler, enjoy the warmth of the fire and sweeping views of the city skyline. As for what to order, The Tare Old Fashioned brings a Japanese twist to a classic, mixing Hibiki Japanese Harmony with homemade Mizunara syrup, tare sauce, and subtle smokiness.
Archive & Myth – Hibiki Harmony Soft Serve Ritual
Available from: Now until 21st November
If you like your cocktails with a bit of theatre, Archive & Myth is the place to find them. Hidden beneath the Hippodrome just off Leicester Square, this opulent, dimly lit bar feels worlds away from the bustle above. The Hibiki Harmony Soft Serve Ritual leans into that sense of decadence, pairing Hibiki Japanese Harmony with Midori ice cream and a dusting of yuzu powder. To finish, you can choose from three tea-infused whisky syrups – Yamazaki with raspberry and Wachoucha tea, Hakushu with matcha and pine honey, or Chita with coconut Pu-erh and tonka – each one offering a different take on the whisky’s unique flavours.
As whisky goes, it’s quite light and floral. My chest feels open and warm.
Elle, Senior Venue Partnerships Manager
See the full tour
This content is intended for readers of legal drinking age. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly.
