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SHINGO GOKAN WINS INTERNATIONAL BARTENDER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Himitsu’s Creative Director Wins Top Prize at Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards®
ATLANTA (July 25, 2017) – Shingo Gokan, creative director and master mixologist behind Himitsu, was named International Bartender of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail’s 11th Annual Spirited Awards®. Gokan was recognized for having the most influence and impact on drink styles and cocktail culture this year.
The Spirited Awards® were founded in 2007 to recognize the efforts of the best and brightest professionals within the cocktail and spirits industries. This year there were more than 1,000 incredibly qualified nominations, consisting of the industry’s most talented professionals. Twenty-four awards were given out to the industry’s best bars, bartenders, writers, distillers and more during the Tales of the Cocktail® conference in New Orleans on Saturday, July 22, 2017.
“It is incredibly humbling to be recognized by the Tales of the Cocktails committee in front of my peers and supporters,” says Gokan. “The craft of cocktails has evolved dramatically over the past few years and I am excited to play a role in the bar scene not only in Atlanta but in Shanghai as well.”
Gokan started his career in Tokyo in 2001, achieving global recognition in 2012 when he took first place in the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition ahead of more than 10,000 bartenders from 26 countries. After that success, Gokan was the first guest bartender ever to be invited to the Savoy Hotel in London, and he has gone on to visit more than 30 countries across the world teaching a master class and guest bartending at the most historically celebrated venues. He is currently the director for Sober Company in Shanghai, which opened this past February.
Himitsu (Japanese for “secret”) promises an intimate, Japanese speakeasy experience meant to complement a night out at Umi. The reservation only lounge offers an elegant spot to enjoy a craft cocktail or some sake before or after dinner at the restaurant, along with bites from executive chef Fuyuhiko Ito and pastry chef Lisa Ito. Himitsu is located at 3050 Peachtree Road N.E.
Gokan often documents his global adventures via Instagram. Follow along to see where he will end up next.
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