When it comes to crafting an unforgettable dining experience, few things rival the artistry of a well-curated beverage pairing. At Ukiyo Omakase, a Japanese bath-house-inspired fine dining concept, featuring a twelve-seat sushi bar, a curated multi-course omakase menu is crafted by Chef Phraseuth ‘Paul’ Sananikone. Over time, as Ukiyo’s Beverage Program Director, I have mastered the delicate balance between exceptional cuisine and the perfect drink, resulting in some fantastic fine dining and whisky pairings.
So, today, I will take you on a journey through an exquisite selection of whisky pairings that complement some of Ukiyo’s delectable courses. While my recommendations are designed to inspire and elevate your dining experience, rest assured that you won’t be required to follow these pairings to the letter. Think of these suggestions as a refined guide to exploring the nuanced harmony between whisky and food. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, these pairings will enrich your appreciation for both the artistry of Ukiyo’s dishes and the complex, intriguing world of whisky. Prepare to savor a fusion of flavors that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Dish: Chicken & Olives
Whisky Pairing: Hatozaki Small Batch
The Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky is an entry-level whisky from The Kaikyō Distillery. The expression is very young, resulting in nutty cereal, and new-make whisky notes, with a little vanilla and malty smokiness, allowing the chicken mousse with caviar to shine and take center stage.
Dish: Laos Gazpacho
Whisky Pairing: Mars Cosmo Manzanilla Sherry Cask 2021 Edition
This whisky from Mars Distillery is aged for a significant amount of time in manzanilla sherry casks, giving the whisky a rich, sweet apple flavor that balances out the light spiciness from the gazpacho.
Dish: Square Nori Chips, Takoyaki, Rice Cakes & XO Sauce
Whisky Pairing: Akashai 5 Year Sake Cask Whisky
Akashai Brewery is a small brewery in Southern Japan, and the recipient of the first license to distill whisky in Japan. This whisky has a beautiful richness accented by a salty umami flavor from the sake. The acidity from the whisky is beautiful with the fried dishes in this bento box trio and the richness compliments the spicy umami flavors of the rice cake.
Dish: Uni Shiromi Sashimi
Whisky Pairing: Mars the YA #1
This whisky blends two Mars Distillery single malts- one from the Tsunuki Distillery and the Komagatake Distillery and then aged on the tropical island of Yakushima. Yakushima is a world heritage site and has extreme tropical weather conditions with immense amounts of rain. This type of aging gives the whisky a tropical rum “vibe” with lots of tropical fruit flavors that are delicious when paired with uni.
Dish: Tuna Zuke with Apple and Bleu Cheese
Whisky Pairing: Akkeshi Shosho
Akkeshi is a distillery on Hokkaido, a northern island of Japan. This whisky is stylishly similar to Islay scotch both aging in similar climates. Akkeshi is on a mission to utilize ingredients exclusively from Japan- using Japanese barley, peat, and oak.
Akkeshi Shosho is the 2021 release with “shosho” meaning late summer. This whisky has a discrete saline smokiness with notes of brown sugar and orange marmalade that go so well with the funky bleu cheese and rich tuna.
Dish: Karu Ma Ebi
Whisky Pairing: Ichiro’s Malt & Grain
Ichiro’s Malt & Grain is from the Chichibu Distillery. Owner, Ichiro Akuto, is considered to be amongst the best whisky blenders in the world.
This is an extremely complex, light, and elegant whisky blend from the United States, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and Japan- all between 3 and 20 years old and then aged for an additional 2-3 years in Japan. The shrimp is very light and extremely complex and it is a perfect match for the whisky.
Dish: Kinmedai
Whisky Pairing: Kanosuke Single Malt 2022 Edition
Kanosuke Distillery is the newest Japanese distillery to enter the U.S. market. There is a little more bourbon style in this whisky as they use bourbon barrels and a cask strength expression. This whisky is rich, complexly flavored, and goes very well with the charred kinmedai.
Dish: Tuna Chu Toro
Whisky Pairing: Mars Komagatake 2023 Edition Single Malt
Mars Komagatake 2023 Edition Single Malt pairs incredibly with this tuna flight. The Komagatake Distillery is the original Mars Distillery- the third largest brand in Japan. This whisky is extremely rich and elegant and it accompanies but doesn’t overpower the Laos flavors of the rich tuna.
Dish: A-5 Wagyu Laap Seen
Whisky Pairing: Yamazaki 18 Year Old
Yamazaki is made by Suntory, the largest spirits brand in Japan. This is an extremely rich and powerful whisky, with a very dark color and flavor profile. I recommend pairing this with our richest dishes- the A-5 wagyu is coated with bone marrow creating an extreme umami bomb that can only be tamed with such a powerful whisky.
Dish: Dungeness Hand Roll
Whisky Pairing: Mars Tsunuki Peated Single Malts
This whisky from Tsunuki Distillery is one of Mars’ newer distilleries in the southern part of Japan. This distillery is prized for its peated malt whiskies. The Dungeness Hand Roll is very funky and fun and the fruity, rich smoky flavors of the whisky are a perfect balance to the umami tanginess of the hand roll.
Dish: Mok Pa
Whisky Pairing: Nikka Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast Edition 2022
Nikka is the second largest spirits company in Japan and this is a special release from their Miyagikyo Distillery, using native yeast strains. This whisky has complex peach notes, with a nice bready brioche undertone. It adds a fruity element to the herbed steamed bass.
Dish: Paella Calamaro
Whisky Pairing: Ichiro’s Malt U.S. Edition 2023
This is an exclusive, U.S.-only release that has incredible complexity and richness, being aged much longer than the normal blend. Ichiro’s Malt U.S. Edition 2023 finishes the night on a very high note as it accompanies the toasty rice and citrus calamari on the paella.
Dish: Khanom Thuai
Whisky Pairing: Akashi Ume Plum
This whisky from Akashi is their basic blended whisky with Ume plums and added sugar which is then aged a little longer. The whisky is proofed down to 30% creating a lower ABV, sweet approachable spirit that adds a beautiful candy note to the coconut custard.
Trending Stories
About Ukiyo Omakase
Ukiyo Omakase, nestled in Denver, CO, offers an immersive dining experience that transports guests into the heart of Japanese culinary artistry. At Ukiyo, “omakase” isn’t just a menu style; it’s a journey, allowing the chef to take diners through a series of meticulously crafted dishes that reflect Japan’s rich culinary heritage with a modern twist. Each course showcases seasonal ingredients, many flown in directly from Japan, and is executed with precision and artistry, making each dish both a visual and flavorful masterpiece.
The intimate, minimalist setting complements the experience, focusing attention on the food and the story each dish tells. Guests can expect an ever-evolving menu that celebrates tradition while embracing innovation, making Ukiyo Omakase an ideal destination for those seeking an elevated, unforgettable Japanese dining experience in Denver. Perfect for special occasions or a refined night out, Ukiyo truly captures the essence of omakase dining.
Latest News