Expect Black Tie BBQ, Japanese Gin And Bartender Showdowns At This Prefecture 48 Residency

Experimental cocktails, one-off takeovers, and seasonal feasts are all on the cards at Suntory Bar, the dynamic three-month residency from Suntory, taking over Whisky Thief at Prefecture 48.

Pouring until Saturday, 8 November, Suntory Bar explores the Japanese post-work ritual of Nomikai, with sips spotlighting Suntory’s diverse portfolio, like the refreshing Hakushu Highball made with whisky from the world’s highest distillery, and top-tier snacks crafted by renowned chefs, including one from Tetsuya Wakuda.

September is shaping up to be especially dynamic, with unmissable events like a multi-sensory Black Tie BBQ featuring the seven-year-aged Jim Beam Black, a four-seasons-inspired kaiseki feast starring Roku Gin, and bartender showdowns between the best of Australia’s shaking scene.

Add whispers of more culinary collabs and Japanese bar takeovers in the coming months, and your calendar is about to be loaded with next-level experiences. 

Here’s Urban List’s full rundown on the hottest Suntory Bar events and how to book in. 

Jim Beam’s Black Tie BBQ: Where Southern Smoke Meets Black Tie Sophistication

Smoke, spirits and sensory immersion are headlining a one-off dining experience on Thursday, 11 September at Prefecture 48, starring the all-new, seven-year-aged Jim Beam Black.

Luke Powell is back in the kitchen for the first time since the closure of the legendary LP’s Quality Meats restaurant. For one night only, experience his cooking alongside the hatted chefs of Ibushi, with a three-course feast of a menu that combines the precision of Japanese robata with the boldness of Southern BBQ.

Slow-smoked meats, flavour-jammed share plates and umami-kicking sides are perfectly complemented by Jim Beam Black poured neat, with bitters and ginger, and shaken into classy cocktails.

To channel Jim Beam Black’s layered seven senses, diners will experience the seven-year-aged bourbon beyond just taste, with oak and vanilla aromas wafting through the air, live bluegrass sounds, and open-flame flickers completing the experience.

THE DETAILS

What: Jim Beam Black Tie BBQ
Where: Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD
When: Thursday 11 September, 6.30pm–9pm
Cost: $117 per person (valued at $280)
With limited seats available, secure your spot here.

Club Suntory Bar Takeover With Australia’s Best Bartenders

Australia’s best bartenders are taking over Suntory Bar for the infamous return of the Suntory Cup Cocktail Competition on Saturday, 13 September. After a decade-long hiatus, the competition is making a comeback at Suntory Bar with eight expert mixologists showcasing their craft.

Guests will receive tokens to try four cocktails on the house before casting their vote to crown a Suntory Cup champion. The best part? The winner scores a trip to Japan. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

The showdown runs from 6.30pm to 8pm and it’s first in, best dressed, so arrive early to not miss a drop.

THE DETAILS

What: Suntory Cup Cocktail Competition
Where: Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD
When: Saturday 13 September, 6.30pm–8pm
Cost: Free to attend
Get all the details here. 

The Art of Shun: A Seasonal Dining Experience With Roku Gin

For one day only, Suntory Bar and its neon-lit neighbour Garaku are throwing a multi-sensory experience that roams through all four seasons, with House of Suntory’s Roku Gin in the spotlight.

Two top-shelf chefs are teaming up at the pass—Co-Owner of Rocker and Culinary Director at Three Blue Ducks (and previous head chef at Tetsuya) Darren Robertson, and Garaku head chef Derek Kim—to serve a refined kaiseki-style feast exploring the Japanese concept of shun—the appreciation of each season’s best flavours.

This traditional multi-course format is built on the ritual of savouring slowly, with each dish matched to a Roku Gin cocktail echoing the flavours, colours and aromas of spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Expect polished sakura-inspired starters followed by umami-laden wintry plates with refreshing sips along the way and plenty of surprises in between—all showcasing next-level Japanese craftsmanship and cocktail artistry.

THE DETAILS

What: Roku Gin Dining Experience
Where: Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD
When: 12pm–3pm and 6pm–9pm, Thursday, 18 September
Cost: $180 per person
Limited seats are available, secure your spot here.

Can't make an event? Hit up Suntory Bar for happy hour instead, where from 5pm to 7pm, Tuesdays through to Saturdays, you'll find epic $12 drink specials like the Toki Highball and CC and Tea. 

For more on why you need to head to P48 for your September sipping session, visit here.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Suntory and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Image credit: Suntory Bar.