Latest news with #HotelNikko
CBS News
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
San Francisco's Hotel Nikko brings summer indoors with family-friendly poolside movie nights
Families looking for summer fun in San Francisco, without worrying about fog or drizzle, are finding it at Hotel Nikko, where an indoor pool and new summer movie night series are creating a season of relaxation and connection. "As we are in the summer travel months, I wanted to really explore with my team ways that we could have guests come down and experience a relaxing time watching a movie and enjoying their family and friends in the pool area after touring around the city of San Francisco," said General Manager Casey Neuburger. The hotel's "Dive-In Movies" series, which runs throughout the summer, features family-friendly films screened in the atrium pool, in the heart of downtown. With both a pool and a jacuzzi, the warm indoor environment provides a sunny escape, regardless of what's happening outside. "We are able to create that lively sunny atmosphere within our atrium pool, which is one of the largest here in the city," Neuburger said. "So it stays this nice warm temperature, both in the water and when the individuals get out of the pool and then curl up with our cozy towels onto our chaise lounges to watch the movie." The cozy towels are just the beginning. Guests can enjoy complimentary movie-night snacks, including popcorn and beverages. The experience is open to hotel guests and the public alike, with day passes available for purchase. "It's great to just be able to enjoy a movie and swim, and have a little physical activity, and have some time together, and enjoy a nice meal, all in one place. It's great," said San Francisco resident Jay LaViolette, who attended the event with his family. Guests can order food from the hotel's on-site sushi restaurant or opt for the free treats curated by Neuburger and his team. The ultimate goal, Neuburger said, is to bring the hotel's 15-meter indoor pool to life this summer — no sunshine required. "Kids that are running around and jumping into the pool, it really feels like summer," he said. "And that's one of my favorite parts, bringing joy to individuals that come to San Francisco and this hotel from across the globe." With its indoor oasis and vibrant programming, Hotel Nikko is ensuring that summer in San Francisco makes a splash, rain or shine.
Forbes
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Top Tequilas Crowned At The 2025 SF World Spirits Competition
Margarita cocktail with ice, lime slice and salt rim. Tequila is now the largest spirits category in the US by revenue. Several hundred Tequila entries were evaluated at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and 19 of those Tequilas, all Double Gold winners, are in the final round, contending for the best Tequila expression in their respective category and the top accolade of World's Best Tequila. Below is a summary of the finalists in each of the major Tequila categories: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. The winners will be announced at the Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated event in the beverage industry, on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. The Blanco Tequila Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Aguasol, Tequila Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $39 Cutwater, Blanco Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $34 Sesion Tequila, Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico, The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $45 Don Vicente, Fuerte Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 54% ABV. 750 ml. $85 Tequila Volcan de mi Tierra, Blanco, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $50 For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Blanco/Joven Tequila finalists, see SF World Spirits Competition Crowns The World's Top Blanco Tequila. The Reposado Tequila Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Occasion, Reposado Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Reposado is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $75 Aguasol, Reposado Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $47 Don Fulano, Reposado Tequila, Jalisco Mexico. The Reposado is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $62 Don Roberto, Double Cask Reposado Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. This double-casked Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $45 Mijenta, Symphony Series No. 2 Reposado Tequila, Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 45% ABV. 750 ml. $66. For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Reposado Tequila finalists, see The Top Reposado Tequila, According To The SF World Spirits Competition. The Añejo Tequila Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Tequila De La Gente, Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $100 Cierto Tequila, Private Collection Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $175 Pantalones, Organic Añejo Tequila, Amatitán, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $50 Hotel California, Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750ml. $60 Cierto Tequila, Reserve Collection Extra Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $385 For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Anejo Tequila finalists, see The Top Añejo Tequila, According To The SF World Spirits Competition. The Extra Añejo Tequila Finalists from the 2025 SFWSC Don Julio, Ultima Reserva Extra Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $484 El Tesoro, Extra Añejo Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $148 Casa Cuervo, 1800, Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila, Jalisco Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $225 Don Fulano, Tequila Imperial Extra Añejo Tequila, Jalisco Mexico. The Tequila is bottled at 40% ABV. 750 ml. $209 For backgrounds and detailed tasting notes on the 2025 SFWSC Extra Añejo Tequila finalists, see 2025 SF World Spirits Competition Crowns Top Extra Añejo Tequila. These Tequilas are among the very best of the more than 2,000 different Tequila brands currently available. Many are quite reasonably priced and would make excellent additions to your home bar. Whether your passion is a Tequila cocktail like a Margarita or a Paloma, or whether your preference is for a sipping Tequila, you are bound to find a Tequila to suit your taste among these contenders for The World's Best Tequila.
Forbes
03-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Top Scotch Whisky Winners From The 2025 SF World Spirits Competition
The 2025 SFWSC Finalists in the Single Malt Scotch Whisky 20 Years & Older category Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a cornerstone in the world of Scotch Whisky, is one of the most extensive and prestigious judging events. Whisky enthusiasts and the beverage industry closely follow its results, as they often set the standard for excellence in the industry. The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated event in the whiskey industry, will announce the winners on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. Here are the finalists! From a diverse pool of several hundred entries, the distinguished panel of judges, comprising some 60 in total, has selected a range of finalists. These include five blended, four blended malts, and 20 single malt Scotch whiskies, each with its unique character and flavor profile. From these finalists will emerge the coveted title of World's Best Blended Scotch Whisky, Best Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, and Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and ultimately the highest prize of all: World's Best Scotch Whisky. The variety and quality of these finalists are sure to pique your interest. The 2025 SFWSC Blended Scotch Whisky Finalists in the No Age Statement category. Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition Blended Scotch is a mix of grain whisky and single malt whisky. The Scotch Whisky Association, the industry's regulatory body, does not specify the proportions in the blend. Generally speaking, the higher the proportion of single malt in the blend, the more flavorful the whisky tends to be. The single malt portion of a blended whisky can range from as little as 10% to as much as 50% of the final blend. Under SWA rules, a no-age-statement whisky does not disclose the age of the youngest component of the blend. However, under SWA regulations, a whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years before it can carry the designation Scotch Whisky. Hence, a NAS whisky is guaranteed to be at least 3 years old. Most NAS whiskies are considerably older than the minimum three-year aging requirement. For a brief background and detailed tasting notes of the Blended Scotch Whisky finalists from the 2025 SFWSC, see SF World Spirits Competition Reveals Top Blended Scotch Whisky. The Finalists in the Blended Malt Scotch Whisky category at the 2025 SFWSC Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition Blended malt is a mix of single malt Scotch whiskies. Unlike a single malt, which is a malt whisky from a single distillery, blended malts are a mix of malt whiskies from more than one distillery. The practice harkens back to the early days of the Scotch whisky industry when independent blenders created their whiskies by mixing single malt whisky from several distilleries. For background and detailed tasting notes on each of the Blended Malt Scotch Whisky finalists, see SF World Spirits Competition Reveals Top Blended Scotch Whisky. SFWSC 2025 Single Malt Scotch 13 to 19 Years Finalists Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition Single malt Scotch whisky is a single malt from a single distillery. Each expression is typically a blend of different single malts from that distillery. The age statement listed on the bottle is the youngest component of that particular blend of single malts. Hence, 18-year-old Scotch whisky is not the 12-year-old expression aged for an additional six years, but rather a blend of single malt whiskies from that distillery, the youngest component of which is at least 18 years old. For a background and detailed tasting noteson these single malt Scotch whiskies, see SF World Spirits Competition Names Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky For a background and detailed tasting notes on these ultra-aged, single malt Scotch whiskies, see Best Ultra-Aged Scotch Whisky, According To The SF World Spirits Competition. These Scotch whiskies are among the very best, the crème de la crème of Scottish whisky. They are all outstanding, each reflective of the region and terroir that produced them. Some are historical names, while others are new distilleries, specialty bottlers, or once-silent distilleries that have been reborn. All are worth tasting, and if you like them, add a bottle or two to your Scotch whisky collection.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The SF World Spirits Competition Crowns The Top Irish Blended Whiskey
The finalists for the World's Best Blended Irish Whiskey at the 2025 SFWSC Four Irish whiskeys are finalists for Best Irish Blended Whiskeys at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The SFWSC is one of the world's largest and most prestigious whisky judging events. Whisky enthusiasts and the beverage industry closely follow these events and their results. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on the finalists. The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated event in the whiskey industry, will announce the winner on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. Jameson Crested, formerly known as "Crested Ten," was first introduced in 1963 as Jameson's inaugural bottled whiskey. It is crafted with a higher proportion of pot still whiskey and is significantly influenced by sherry cask maturation. Historically, it has been a blend of 60% pot still and 40% grain whiskey, matured for seven to eight years. The nose presents a pronounced sherry-matured pot still whiskey aroma, with subtle notes of dried dark fruits, toasted almond, and a hint of marzipan. Delicate sherry and toasted wood, enhanced by fruit, spice, and chocolate notes, are evident on the palate. The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering sherry notes. Assorted bottles of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Jameson Irish Whiskey is produced by Pernod Ricard and is the largest selling Irish Whiskey in the world. This expression is part of Jameson's Triple Triple range. The triple-distilled whiskey matures in ex-bourbon, sherry, and Malaga wine casks. The three-cask finish introduces a unique sweetness and complexity to the whiskey. The nose is aromatic and complex, featuring notes of tangerine, honey, sweet bourbon casks, toffee, caramel, papaya, mango, and pineapple. The palate offers a classic sweet Jameson profile, expressing flavors of vanilla, caramel, honey, sweet cream, raisins, tangerine, and orange. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering hints of caramel, mocha, salted nuts, digestive biscuits, and orange zest. During the 19th century, Dunville's was one of Ireland's best-selling whiskeys and had a strong following in North America. The Echlinville Distillery revived the brand and has quickly established it as a rising star in Irish whiskey. Dunville's Three Crowns is a premium vintage blend of superior aged whiskeys, finished in Oloroso sherry casks. This expression combines single-grain and single-malt whiskeys. The sherry cask finish adds depth and richness. The whiskey presents a sweet and aromatic nose, featuring notes of caramel and butterscotch. On the palate, flavors of cooked cereal and malt are complemented by hints of walnut, dried fruit, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, with lingering notes of digestive biscuit and vanilla. The Triple Chestnut Edition is a recent expansion of the Triple Triple range. This expression incorporates chestnut wood casks into the traditional blend of ex-bourbon and sherry cask maturation. Chestnut wood adds flavors of nuts, bitter chocolate, and dried fruits, enriching the classic Jameson profile and introducing greater complexity. Distinctive and rich aromas of fudge, vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, chocolate, and subtle notes of dried pear and green apple fill the nose. The whiskey offers a smooth, creamy, and flavorful experience on the palate, showcasing orchard fruit, fudge, vanilla, nuts, caramel, subtle wood spices, and seasoned oak. The long, spicy, and sweet finish features lingering dried fruit notes. These four whiskeys showcase a range of flavorful and reasonably priced whiskeys. With prices ranging from $31 to $46, these selections demonstrate that excellence isn't necessarily expensive. They showcase the varied flavor profile and breadth of Irish whiskey. To broaden your whiskey horizons, these four standout Irish whiskeys are essential.
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
SF World Spirits Competition Names Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Some of the finalists for World's Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition Fifteen single malt Scotch whiskies are finalists at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The SFWSC is among the world's largest and most prestigious whisky judging events. Whisky enthusiasts and the beverage industry closely follow its results. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes on the finalists. The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated whiskey industry event, will announce the winner on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. These whiskies have no age statement (NAS). To be classified as Scotch whiskies, they must be at least three years old. However, the full length of their aging is undisclosed. Smoky Quarter Cask is crafted from unpeated and peated spirit. Initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels, it undergoes a second maturation in 33-gallon quarter casks. These smaller-sized casks provide more wood-spirit interaction, enhancing the whisky's flavor and texture and increasing its sweet and smoky profile. The nose features poached pear, grilled apricot, cooked cereal/barley malt, and a persistent cold smoke. The palate exhibits cooked stone fruit, vanilla, milk chocolate, nuts, almond praline, seasoned oak, and a pervasive smokiness. The finish is long with lingering nuts, earthy peat, white pepper, and smoky notes. Smoke Season is a small batch release celebrating the period when Benriach distills peated spirit. It's matured in American virgin oak and ex-bourbon barrels to amplify the toasted, sweet, and smoky notes. Caramel, citrus zest, oak wood spices, earthy peat, and smoke are featured on the nose. The palate exhibits vanilla, charred fruit notes of apple and orange, cinnamon, caramel, and a persistent smoky character. The finish is long, sweet, and smoky with lingering roasted fruit notes. Inspired by the Scottish coastal village of Sandend, this whisky is matured in bourbon and manzanilla Sherry casks, capturing the seaside's maritime character. The nose features salt-laden sea breezes, honey, cooked cereal/malt, and a hint of citrus. The palate exhibits salted caramel with fruity pineapple, cherry, and grapefruit flavors. The finish is long and savory, with lingering fruit, seasoned oak, and spicy notes. Named after the harbor village of Portsoy, this richly peated single malt is matured in Sherry, bourbon, and Port casks. The nose features a distinct maritime character of salt-laden air and sea kelp strewn beach at low tide, fresh tropical fruit, dried sherried fruit, soy sauce, and anise/licorice. The whisky is robust and full-bodied on the palate, featuring dark chocolate, soy sauce, charred mango, molasses, and freshly ground sea salt. The finish is long, with lingering spicy and smoky notes. Remarkable Alchemy, a travel retail exclusive, showcases Loch Lomond's unique distillation methods, combining various still types and fermentation techniques. The nose features green apple, kiwi, vanilla, smoke, and a hint of caramel. The palate showcases brown sugar, poached orchard fruit, especially pear, lemon zest, and a rich smoke. The finish is long and smoky with lingering green apple and lemon zest notes. Some of the finalists for World's Best Scotch Whisky from the 2025 SFWSC A Speyside single malt, from one of the region's largest distillers, The Singleton is known for its smooth and approachable character. The whisky is fruity on the nose, featuring ripe pear, stewed apples, vanilla, caramel, and roasted nuts. The palate is sweet, exhibiting caramel, sweet barley sugar, vanilla, honey, coffee, and white chocolate flavors. The finish is smooth and medium length, with lingering honey and vanilla notes. A peated Speyside single malt matured in bourbon, Jamaican rum, and toasted, virgin oak casks. The nose features brown sugar, chocolate, candied citrus zest, and a pervasive cold smoke. The palate exhibits apple, honey, black pepper, vanilla, caramel, and a hint of chili pepper. The finish is medium length with lingering notes of seasoned oak, cold smoke, and a hint of char. Forgue is a Highland single malt matured in sherry casks. It offers a rich and complex flavor profile. Brown sugar, golden raisins, caramel, maple syrup, plum cake, cocoa, and blackcurrants are featured on the nose. The palate showcases typical Sherry influences of raisins, blackcurrants, dark chocolates, dried fruits, nuts, along with oak, mint, and cardamom. The finish is long and dry with lingering caramel and Sherry notes. A Highland single malt known for its peated character and complex profile. The nose features dry peat smoke, vanilla syrup, and cracked black pepper. The palate is sweet and flavorful, exhibiting medicinal peat, smoked bacon, roasted coffee bean, clove, star anise, green apple, and pear. The finish is long, with lingering spicy and smoky notes. Highland Park is an Orkney single malt known for its balance of sweet, floral, and smoky flavors. The nose features light heather smoke, maritime aromas, and cooked cereal/malty notes. The palate is semi-sweet with savory sea salt, honey, cooked cereal/malt, and smoke. The long finish has lingering maritime, smoky, and cooked cereal notes. Some of the finalists for World's Best Scotch Whisky from the 2025 SFWSC A Highland single malt finished in Madeira casks, enhancing its rich, fruity, and honeyed character. Aberfeldy's nose features honey, vanilla, citrus, and nuts. The palate is sweet and fruity, exhibiting honey, vanilla, citrus, spices, cinnamon, and fruit notes. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, and nuts. A Highland single malt finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks, offering a complex and enticing semi-sweet and savory profile. The whiskey features green apple, seasoned oak, and a savory/maritime character. It's dry and spicy on the palate, with Sherry influences, almond, and a hint of citrus zest. The finish is long and dry, with lingering maritime notes, salted almonds, and a hint of lemon. Alexander Murray is a Florida-based specialty bottler. In addition to their proprietary range, they also develop custom blends for Costco and Total Wine & More. This Highland single malt is matured in first-fill ex-sherry casks, delivering rich, fruity Christmas cake flavors. The nose features dried fruits, golden raisins, fresh apricot, hazelnut, and a hint of spice. It's rich and viscous on the palate with typical sherried Christmas cake flavors of golden raisin, dried apricot, fig, candied orange zest, nuts, and spice notes of cinnamon and clove. The finish is long and sweet with lingering dried fruit and spicy notes. An unpeated Islay single malt known for its fruity style and complex character. The nose features stone and tropical fruit flavors of peach, apricot, melon, and mango, cooked cereal/malt, and yeasty bread dough notes. The palate is sweet and creamy, showcasing cooked peaches, butterscotch/caramel sauce, hints of old leather, vanilla, and seasoned oak. The finish is long and smooth with lingering dried fruit sweetness. Glenmorangie is a Highland single malt leader in innovative cask finishing and experimental whisky making. The nose is rich and floral, featuring honey, caramelized orange, jasmine, and lemon blossom. The fruity palate features dried figs, orange marmalade, butterscotch, vanilla, and subtle wood smoke. The finish is long, with a layered complexity and lingering notes of dried fruit and cold smoke. These single malt Scotch whiskies are all outstanding. They are varied, showcasing a range of proofs, cask finishes, and diverse aroma and taste profiles. They represent well-known legacy producers as well as less familiar brands. Several represent outstanding values. If you are a Scotch whisky enthusiast, there is plenty here to try out and explore.
