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Chutoro Saga Beef - Yawaragi

Pepper Teehankee

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781617547700Photo 1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Lexus Sales Director Andros Villaraza, Service Director Darius Laygo, President Carlo Ablaza, Marketing Director Andi Trinidad, and The Dalmore Whisky Marketing Director Randy Uson</div>Lexus Philippines and The Dalmore united craftsmanship and culinary excellence at Japanese restaurant Yawaragi at Hotel Okura. It was indeed an evening of refined indulgence as The Dalmore partnered with Lexus Philippines and Yawaragi to present an exclusive whisky-pairing dinner that celebrated heritage, precision, and modern luxury. The intimate gathering brought together guests for a seven-course Japanese dining experience prepared by Hotel Okura Manila Executive Chef Jerrymie Tamayo, Sushi Specialty Chef Ikuma Sato, Yawaragi Sous Chef Margreth Projimo, and Senior Pastry Chef Vi Serrano. Their dishes were paired with The Dalmore’s most iconic single malts.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781617882902Chef Ikuma Sato, Sushi Specialty Chef, Hotel Okura Manila.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="510" style="width:510px"/>Chef Ikuma Sato, Sushi Specialty Chef, Hotel Okura Manila</div>Guiding guests through the whisky tastings was George Schulze, The Dalmore’s Resident Whisky Expert for Asia, who touched upon the heritage and craftsmanship behind the selected Dalmore expressions. His insights complemented the dining experience, framing each pairing as a dialogue between tradition and innovation. Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of omotenashi or wholehearted hospitality, Yawaragi presented a multi-course menu that showcased both technical precision and seasonal sensibility. Each dish reflected a deep respect for both imported and local ingredients and balance—core principles in Japanese cuisine.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781617942081Dalmore Resident Whisky Expert for Asia George Schulze.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="503" style="width:503px"/>Dalmore Resident Whisky Expert for Asia George Schulze</div>Hotel Okura Manila Hotel Okura Manila is part of the prestigious Okura Nikko Hotel Management, a subsidiary of Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., that operates three hotel chains worldwide: Yawaragi, located at the fifth-floor atrium lobby, offers international gourmet dishes with Japanese specialties and Filipino favorites. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience where guests can soak up the feeling of being in a modern Japanese-inspired village. Yawaragi means harmony and to be completely at ease.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2026/6/15/playful-evolution-at-digamo-2324" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: &#x27;Playful Evolution&#x27; at Digamo</a></div>Founded in 1839 on the banks of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, the Dalmore has been making whisky for over 180 years. The 12-point silver stag, which adorns each of their whisky bottles, was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1878. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781618012162The Dalome - 12 years, King Alexander III, 15 years.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="450" style="width:450px"/>The Dalome - 12 years, King Alexander III, 15 years</div>The Dalmore 12 year old is a single malt matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and finished in rare and aged oloroso sherry casks. Its aroma is of citrus fruits, chocolate and aromatic spices. The palate detects Seville oranges, dried fruits and hints of vanilla pod while the finish is of roasted coffee and dark chocolate. The Dalmore 15 is a single malt that is finished in different sherry casks including Apostoles, Amoros, and Matusalem oloroso. Its aroma is of Orange marmalade, cinnamon and nutmeg, the palate has Mandarin, vanilla, ginger and crushed apples, and the finish is caramelised orange and rich dark chocolate The Dalmore King Alexander III is made from six different cask finishes—small batch ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem oloroso sherry casks, Madeira barrels, Marsala casks, Port pipes and cabernet sauvignon wine barriques—all exquisitely blended to create a one of a kind whisky with a rich and enticing flavour profile. The aroma is red berry fruits and hints of passion fruit, the palate is citrus zest, vanilla pod, creme caramel and crushed almonds, and the finish has cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781618138923The Dalmore tasting.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="466" style="width:466px"/>The Dalmore tasting</div>Dinner started with the amuse bouche—“Brave Design Technology” Tensho Ebi / Chuka Wakame, which was Mexican spiced blue prawn, Japanese seaweed salad tartlet with mango green apple chutney.  This dish certainly paved the way for guests to expect delicious, creative dishes.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781618207566TENSHO EBI CHUKA WAKAME.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="481" style="width:481px"/>Tensho Ebi Chuka Wakame</div>The Dalmore 12 year old accompanied the “Imaginative Technology” appetizer, Hotate Ikura—a delicate baked hotate (scallop) with miso beurre blanc, yuzu (Japanese citrus) foam, and ikura (salmon roe). <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781618326426HOTATE IKURA.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="496" style="width:496px"/>Hotate Ikura</div>The first sip opened with notes of orange zest, dark chocolate, and gentle spice, immediately met by the scallop’s soft and buttery sweetness. The miso beurre blanc added depth while the yuzu foam lifted the palate with a hint of fragrant citrus. This pairing tied together sweetness, acidity, and umami in a seamless, lingering finish. This whisky was also paired with the nigiri sushi “Takumi Craftsmanship” dish was chutoro (medium fatty bluefin tuna) and Saga beef—sea urchin sushi served with Japanese omelette, wasabi, gari (pink ginger), and special sushi soy sauce.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781618393326CHUTORO SAGA BEEF.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="526" style="width:526px"/>Chutoro Saga Beef</div>The soup course named for the “Quiet Confidence” of Lexus was called Kureson Jyaga— watercress and potato pottage with creme fraiche, crispy Spanish jamon (ham), and sesame croutons.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781618457527KURESON JYAGA.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="503" style="width:503px"/>Kureson Jyaga </div>The Dalmore 15 year old was paired with the entrée “Omotenashi” Suzuki Kombucha—pan-seared Asian sea bass (locally called apahap) with kombucha lemon-cured sauce and peach raspberry oil. The sea bass presented a delicate flake and mild flavor enhanced by slight caramelization from the searing of the fish. The lemon-cured sauce introduces a refined acidity—slightly fermented, lightly effervescent in character—while the fruit oils add a soft, aromatic sweetness. The Dalmore 15 envelops the palate with layers of dried fruits, cinnamon, and nutmeg, deepening the dish’s complexity. Each sip rounds the acidity and draws out a subtle sweetness in the fish, creating a balanced interplay between brightness and warmth.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781618533866SUZUKI KOMBUCHA.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="455" style="width:455px"/>Suzuki Kombucha </div>The Dalmore King Alexander III, the brand’s multi-cask masterpiece, elevated the main course “Experience Amazing” Tenderloin Arborio Umeshu—binchotan (special Japanese charcoal) charcoal-grilled filet mignon with port wine Japanese plum jus and mushroom risotto made from Italian Arborio rice . The beef grilled by binchotan charcoal, imparted clean yet smoky intensity. The tender meat and its juices complemented by the plum jus, which brought a restrained sweetness and gentle tartness. The mushroom risotto added an earthy creaminess. The Dalmore King Alexander III unfolds in layers—berries, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and oak and the whisky’s long, luxurious finish echoes the smokiness and umami, creating a deeply satisfying, full-bodied conclusion.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781618612047TENDERLOIN ARBORIO UMESHU.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="441" style="width:441px"/>Tenderloin Arborio Umeshu </div>The dessert was called “Crafted” Binchotan since the dessert looked exactly like a charcoal stick which was pure bliss when cracked and eaten. It was a black sesame  casing that enveloped tablea (Filipino chocolate), hazelnut, and miso.Each pairing demonstrated The Dalmore’s versatility and depth, reinforcing its position as a whisky crafted not only for casual drinking but also for elevated dining experiences.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2026/5/31/how-gallery-by-chele-turns-heirloom-rice-into-a-journey-through-the-philippines-1946" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The story behind The Heirloom Rice Project at Gallery by Chele</a></div>Just as Japanese cuisine values precision and balance, and whisky-making demands patience and mastery, Lexus embodies the same ideals through its approach to design and engineering and within Yawaragi’s serene and calm surroundings, the evening transcended a simple dinner, becoming an immersive journey through sensory Japanese flavors, masterfully crafted whisky, and the understated luxury binding them together.<div>Food and drink photos by Pepper Teehankee</div><div>Others courtesy of Lexus Philippines</div>

Lexus Philippines and The Dalmore came together at Yawaragi in Hotel Okura Manila for an exclusive whisky-pairing dinner that showcased Japanese hospitality, culinary excellence, and a shared commitment to craftsmanship.

Lexus Philippines and The Dalmore came together at Yawaragi in Hotel Okura Manila for an exclusive whisky-pairing dinner that showcased Japanese hospitality, culinary excellence, and a shared commitment to craftsmanship.

Lexus Philippines and The Dalmore unite craftsmanship and culinary excellence at Yawaragi, Hotel Okura Manila

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Lexus Philippines and The Dalmore unite craftsmanship and culinary excellence at Yawaragi, Hotel Okura Manila

Pepper Teehankee

Published June 16, 2026 10:21 PM PHT

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Updated June 17, 2026 12:08 AM PHT

Read More:

Yawaragi

Hotel Okura Manila

The Dalmore

Lexus Philippines

Omotenashi

Whisky Pairing

Japanese Cuisine

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