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

Six Senses Kyoto has appointed hospitality veteran Olivia Lee as Bar Manager of Nine Tails, the resort’s folklore-inspired speakeasy, debuting an exclusive collection of over 100 Japanese spirits, bancha-infused signature cocktails, and interactive whisky masterclasses.

KYOTO, Japan — In a major expansion of Kansai's luxury hospitality sector, Six Senses Kyoto has officially named acclaimed mixologist Olivia Lee as Bar Manager of Nine Tails, the resort’s high-end speakeasy inspired by the nine-tailed fox (kyūbi no kitsune) of Japanese mythology. The leadership transition introduces a revamped beverage concept in 2026, combining hyper-local botanical mixology with Six Senses' core commitment to eco-conscious hospitality and wellness.

The appointment comes as Kyoto’s luxury nightlife landscape shifts toward farm-to-glass sustainability, zero-waste preparation techniques, and authentic cultural storytelling. By leveraging Lee's extensive experience across Asia's top-ranked bars, Nine Tails aims to cement its position as an international landmark for spirits collectors and craft cocktail enthusiasts visiting Japan.

Acclaimed Mixologist Olivia Lee Brings Global Expertise to Kyoto's Speakeasy Scene

Olivia Lee brings nearly a decade of high-level luxury hospitality experience gathered across prominent venues in Singapore and Japan. Her career foundation began at Colony, the signature restaurant located inside The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore. At Colony, Lee focused on developing strong guest engagement protocols, mastering high-volume luxury service, and managing complex dining room operations.

Her passion for mixology later led her to Republic Bar, the hotel's world-renowned cocktail venue. As part of Republic Bar’s leadership team, Lee expanded her expertise in cocktail design, beverage R&D, and narrative storytelling inspired by 1960s pop culture and historic figures. Under her operational leadership, 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 capacity at Six Senses Kyoto, Lee is tasked with steering Nine Tails into a new operational era. Her vision centers on creating a sophisticated yet approachable environment where Japanese mythology, artisanal spirits, and sustainable hospitality meet.

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

The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the updated operational specifications, signature cocktail formulations, food pairing additions, and guest masterclasses introduced at Nine Tails under Olivia Lee's leadership:

Feature / Category	Official Nine Tails Specification	Craft & Culinary Significance
Resort & Bar Venue	Nine Tails Speakeasy (Six Senses Kyoto)	Inspired by Japanese folklore's mythical nine-tailed fox
New Bar Manager	Olivia Lee	Alumna of Asia’s 50 Best Bars (Republic Bar, Singapore)
Japanese Spirits Library	100+ curated domestic spirits & liqueurs	Celebrates regional Japanese distilling heritage
Signature Cocktail 1	Roasted Leaf	Chita Single Grain Whiskey infused with Kyoto bancha & hojicha tea
Signature Cocktail 2	Shiso Breeze	Kyo Wakan Dry Forest Gin enriched with 24 Asian botanicals
Zero-Proof Program	House-made artisanal colas, ginger ales & mocktails	Zero-waste, botanical beverage focus aligned with wellness
Featured Food Pairing 1	Sea urchin & tuna sushi rolls	Fresh coastal seafood integration
Featured Food Pairing 2	Japanese beef sirloin katsu bites	Premium savory pairing for aged dark spirit cocktails
Featured Food Pairing 3	Kyoto cage-free egg caramel pudding	Artisanal dessert pairing using local farm eggs
Guest Masterclasses	Japanese whisky & mixology workshops	Hands-on tastings exploring grain, peat, and wood aging

Sustainable Mixology and Kyoto Bancha Tea Drive Nine Tails' New Beverage Menu

Central to Nine Tails' refreshed identity is an exclusive inventory featuring over 100 Japanese and domestically produced spirits and liqueurs. This collection highlights small-batch whiskies, artisanal gins, regional shochus, and historic fruit liqueurs sourced directly from independent distilleries across Japan.

The newly crafted cocktail menu leads guests on a sensory exploration of Kyoto’s natural surroundings, featuring local botanicals and traditional Japanese tea processing methods:

• Roasted Leaf: A refined Japanese interpretation of the classic Old Fashioned. This cocktail pairs Chita Single Grain Whiskey with the distinct smoky undertones of Kyoto bancha and roasted hojicha tea.
• Shiso Breeze: A crisp, botanical gin and tonic creation built upon Kyo Wakan Dry Forest Gin—a Kyoto wellness gin distilled with 24 Asian medicinal botanicals.

Regional Japanese teas play a key role throughout the menu, alongside carefully selected ingredients such as sun-ripened yuzu, native forest herbs, and seasonal fruits. For non-drinking guests or wellness travelers, Nine Tails offers a house-made zero-proof collection. Artisanal colas, small-batch ginger ales, and zero-proof botanical cocktails deliver the same depth of flavor without alcohol.

Refreshed Japanese Food Menu Pairs Sirloin Katsu with Specialized Cocktails

To complement the drink offerings, Nine Tails has launched a refreshed food menu engineered to pair with complex cocktail flavor profiles. The dishes harmonize traditional Japanese culinary heritage with modern bar presentation:

• Sea Urchin and Tuna Sushi Rolls: Highlighting ocean-fresh seafood alongside delicate vinegar-seasoned rice.
• Japanese Beef Sirloin Katsu Bites: Crispy breaded Japanese beef sirloin served with rich dipping sauces, structured to balance aged dark spirits.
• Kyoto Cage-Free Egg Caramel Pudding: A classic dessert utilizing eggs from local Kansai farms, offering a smooth finish after cocktail tastings.

Each dish reflects Six Senses' broader sustainability model, sourcing ingredients locally to support regional producers and minimize environmental impact.

Interactive Japanese Whisky Workshops and 2026 Resort Offerings

Under Olivia Lee’s direction, Nine Tails extends its programming beyond evening bar service by hosting hands-on educational sessions:

• Japanese Whisky Workshops: Guided tasting masterclasses exploring regional grain selections, malt profiles, peat levels, and oak barrel aging techniques.
• Interactive Mixology Sessions: Hands-on workshops where guests learn to extract flavors from native herbs, brew tea syrups, and craft botanical cocktails at home.

These masterclasses form part of a wider suite of guest experiences introduced by Six Senses Kyoto throughout 2026, including interactive culinary workshops, expanded holistic wellness programs, and celestial-inspired Full Moon gatherings.

Why This Matters for Luxury Travelers and Japanese Cocktail Culture

For international travelers visiting Kyoto, Nine Tails offers rare access to over 100 domestic spirits and small-batch whiskies within an intimate, resort-based speakeasy environment. Guests can explore Japan's distilling traditions without leaving the hotel.

For non-drinkers and health-conscious guests, the inclusion of 24 Asian medicinal botanicals and house-made zero-proof beverages ensures an inclusive nightlife experience that mirrors Six Senses' wellness ethos.

Furthermore, appointing an alumnus of Asia’s 50 Best Bars reinforces Kyoto’s standing as a top-tier global cocktail capital alongside Tokyo and Osaka.

FAQ: Nine Tails Speakeasy at Six Senses Kyoto

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 experience from premier Asian venues, including Republic Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore (Asia’s 50 Best Bars).

What folklore inspires the Nine Tails bar concept?

Nine Tails is inspired by the nine-tailed fox (kyūbi no kitsune), a prominent creature in Japanese mythology representing intelligence and transformation.

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

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

What workshops are available to guests at Nine Tails?

Nine Tails offers interactive mixology masterclasses and guided Japanese whisky workshops focusing on regional malts, barrel aging, and flavor profiles.

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