The Embodiment of Precision, Talent, and Taste: Kazuya Morisaki
Japan is a culture of mastering one's craft, and that is exactly what bartender Kazuya Morisaki [@kazuya.morisaki] has done with his elegant signature drink, Tefu Tefu, which earned him the title of the Suntory the Cocktail Award [@suntory_cocktailaward] 2024 champion.
To call him a bartender feels like an understatement and a disservice to his skill; he is truly an artist. From start to finish, he carefully handcrafts each cocktail, thoughtfully considering every step of the process.
The Suntory Cocktail Award competition is currently in its 30th installment , and is one of the most prestigious cocktail making competitions in Japan. Contestants are judged on criteria including taste, technique, originality, hospitality, and creative intentions, to name a few.
Tefu Tefu is made with Suntory World Whisky Ao, Kanade〈奏〉the Japanese Craft Liqueur Sakura, Crème de KYOHO Murasaki and yuzu syrup, creating a simple and subtle yet complex flavor profile. The best part? Morisaki finishes the drink with a beautiful and delicate butterfly decoration, made from daikon, lime zest, and radish. His precision in cutting the daikon and lime zest so thin it’s almost paper-like is extraordinary. It’s fitting, too, since he took inspiration for these decorations from Origami [Japanese paper-folding art] books.
The word Tefu-Tefu is Japan’s pre-war term for "butterfly," once commonly used before the transition to the modern term Chou-Chou. Like the drink, Savoy Hommage, the bar where Morisaki works, also has its own rich history. While many buildings were destroyed in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995, this one stood strong against the 7.2 magnitude. Today, only the floor and counters have been renovated. The rest of the building has preserved its quaintness, with antique glasses, shakers, and furniture that Morisaki has collected himself over the years, as well as a vintage phone booth that now doubles as a smoking room. Pretty cool.
Not only is he incredibly gifted behind the bar, but Morisaki also entertains his guests with his zany, playful personality, cracking jokes and having fun while crafting drinks that cater to each guest's individual tastes. A skill that he learned from his bartending master when he first began his journey in the industry. For Morisaki, bartending transcends the mere act of serving drinks; it's about crafting unique experiences for each guest. He takes the time to gauge their mood, carefully considering the impression he wishes to leave, putting his heart, soul and body into the craft.
While sabukaru is no stranger to discovering hidden gem bars with bartenders of immense talent, we have to say that our experience at Savoy Hommage was truly one-of-a-kind. Next time you're in Kobe, don’t forget to pay Morisaki a visit and indulge in a Tefu Tefu — it’s literally the best drink in Japan.
This article is sponsored by Suntory.
For more information on Savoy hommage, please visit: https://www.instagram.com/kazuya.morisaki/.
For more information on Suntory The Cocktail Award, please visit:
https://www.suntory.co.jp/wnb/event/award/ (Japanese only).
For Suntory customer support center, click here (Japanese only).
Don’t drink under the age of 20 or drink and drive.
