Six Senses Kyoto Appoints Olivia Lee as Bar Manager of Nine Tails Speakeasy

Six Senses Kyoto has appointed Olivia Lee as Bar Manager of Nine Tails, the resort’s folklore-inspired speakeasy, introducing a 100+ Japanese spirits collection, bancha-infused cocktails, and Japanese whisky workshops.

KYOTO, Japan — Six Senses Kyoto has appointed hospitality veteran Olivia Lee as the new Bar Manager of Nine Tails, the luxury resort’s signature speakeasy inspired by the nine-tailed fox (kyūbi no kitsune) of Japanese folklore. The appointment introduces a redesigned cocktail concept, an inventory of over 100 Japanese spirits, and interactive mixology programming aligned with Six Senses’ commitment to sustainability.

Bringing nearly a decade of experience from leading luxury hospitality venues across Singapore and Japan, Lee aims to establish Nine Tails as an international destination for cocktail enthusiasts while honoring Kyoto's heritage and seasonal botany.

Hospitality Leadership: Olivia Lee's Expertise from Asia's Top 50 Bars

Olivia Lee built her hospitality career in high-profile Asian venues. She began at Colony, the signature restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, developing core skills in guest experience and luxury service.

She later joined Singapore’s Republic Bar, expanding her operational leadership in mixology and beverage storytelling. During her tenure, Republic Bar achieved global acclaim, earning rankings on both the Asia’s 50 Best Bars and The World’s 50 Best Bars lists.

In her new role at Six Senses Kyoto, Lee brings this international experience to Nine Tails, weaving Japanese mythology, sustainable sourcing, and regional craftsmanship into the bar's daily operations.

Summary of Nine Tails Bar Concept, Beverage Inventory, and Food Pairings

The table below outlines the core operational specifications, beverage highlights, food pairings, and guest workshops introduced at Nine Tails inside Six Senses Kyoto:

Feature / Category	Official Nine Tails Specification	Craft & Culinary Significance
Bar Venue & Theme	Nine Tails Speakeasy (Six Senses Kyoto)	Inspired by Japanese folklore's nine-tailed fox
Bar Manager	Olivia Lee	Alumna of Asia’s 50 Best Bars (Republic Bar)
Japanese Spirits Collection	100+ curated spirits & liqueurs	Showcases domestic Japanese distilling heritage
Signature Cocktail 1	Roasted Leaf	Chita Whisky infused with Kyoto bancha & hojicha tea
Signature Cocktail 2	Shiso Breeze	Kyo Wakan Dry Forest Gin & 24 Asian botanicals
House-Made Mixers	House-made colas, ginger ales & mocktails	Zero-waste, natural ingredient beverage focus
Food Pairing 1	Sea urchin & tuna sushi rolls	Fresh coastal Japanese seafood integration
Food Pairing 2	Japanese beef sirloin katsu bites	Premium savory pairing for dark spirit cocktails
Food Pairing 3	Kyoto cage-free egg caramel pudding	Artisanal local dessert pairing
Guest Workshops	Japanese whisky & mixology sessions	Interactive tastings exploring regional grain & malt profiles

Signature Cocktail Innovation: Local Teas, Medicinal Botanicals, and Chita Whisky

Nine Tails features a curated collection of more than 100 Japanese and Japan-produced spirits, celebrating the country's distilling techniques and regional ingredients.

The newly introduced cocktail menu takes guests on a sensory journey through Kyoto’s landscapes:

• Roasted Leaf: A Japanese interpretation of the classic Old Fashioned, combining Chita Single Grain Whiskey infused with the smoky notes of Kyoto bancha and hojicha tea.
• Shiso Breeze: A refreshing gin and tonic variant crafted with Kyo Wakan Dry Forest Gin, a Kyoto wellness gin enriched with 24 Asian medicinal botanicals.

Japanese teas, yuzu, native herbs, and seasonal fruits form the foundation of the beverage program. To support guests preferring zero-proof options, Nine Tails serves house-made colas, fresh ginger ales, and alcohol-free mocktails created with regional ingredients.

Refreshed Japanese Food Menu Pairings

To complement the updated beverage program, Nine Tails has launched a refreshed food menu highlighting regional Japanese ingredients and modern presentation.

Key food pairings include:

• Sea Urchin and Tuna Sushi Rolls: Highlighting fresh coastal seafood alongside delicate rice seasoning.
• Japanese Beef Sirloin Katsu Bites: Crispy breaded sirloin served with rich dipping sauces to pair with aged whiskies.
• Kyoto Cage-Free Egg Caramel Pudding: A traditional Japanese dessert utilizing locally sourced eggs.

These dishes encourage guests to enjoy a complete dining and cocktail experience within the speakeasy setting.

Interactive Japanese Whisky Workshops and 2026 Resort Offerings

Under Olivia Lee’s direction, Nine Tails extends its programming beyond evening cocktail service through interactive guest experiences:

• Japanese Whisky Workshops: Guided tasting sessions introducing participants to the distinct flavor profiles, peat levels, and aging techniques of Japanese whiskies.
• Interactive Mixology Sessions: Hands-on masterclasses teaching guests how to incorporate local teas, botanical syrups, and Japanese spirits into home cocktail preparation.

These beverage initiatives form part of a broader array of experiences introduced by Six Senses Kyoto during 2026, including culinary workshops, expanded wellness programs, and celestial-inspired Full Moon gatherings.

Why This Matters for Luxury Travelers and Japanese Cocktail Culture

For luxury travelers visiting Kyoto, Nine Tails offers a refined alternative to conventional hotel bars. Incorporating 24 Asian medicinal botanicals, regional bancha teas, and 100+ Japanese spirits into craft cocktails creates a genuine sense of place tied directly to Japanese culture.

For Kyoto's evolving beverage industry, appointing an alumnus of Asia’s 50 Best Bars reinforces the city’s status as a top-tier cocktail destination alongside Tokyo and Osaka.

Furthermore, integrating house-made mixers and zero-proof mocktails ensures that wellness-conscious travelers can enjoy sophisticated cocktail culture without consuming alcohol.

Guest Experience Guide: Visiting Nine Tails at Six Senses Kyoto

Guests planning a visit to Nine Tails at Six Senses Kyoto should keep these practical tips in mind:

• Reserve Speakeasy Seating Early: Due to intimate seating capacity at Nine Tails, book evening tables via the Six Senses Kyoto concierge upon check-in.
• Sign Up for Whisky Masterclasses: Reserve places in advance for guided Japanese whisky workshops to sample rare domestic bottlings.
• Pair Cocktails with Katsu Bites: Order the Japanese beef sirloin katsu bites alongside the Roasted Leaf Old Fashioned for an optimal flavor pairing.
• Explore Non-Alcoholic Mocktails: Try house-made botanical colas and zero-proof gin alternatives if seeking a refreshing, alcohol-free beverage.

FAQ

Who is the new Bar Manager at Nine Tails in Six Senses Kyoto?

Olivia Lee has been appointed Bar Manager of Nine Tails, bringing nearly a decade of luxury hospitality experience from top Singapore venues including Republic Bar (Asia’s 50 Best Bars).

What theme inspires Nine Tails bar?

Nine Tails is a speakeasy bar inspired by the nine-tailed fox (kyūbi no kitsune) of Japanese folklore.

What signature cocktails are featured on the new Nine Tails menu?

Featured cocktails include the Roasted Leaf (Chita Whiskey infused with Kyoto bancha and hojicha tea) and Shiso Breeze (Kyo Wakan Dry Forest Gin with 24 Asian medicinal botanicals).

What guest workshops are offered at Nine Tails?

Nine Tails offers interactive mixology masterclasses and guided Japanese whisky tasting workshops exploring regional malt and grain profiles.

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