Special One-Night Bar Takeover with “Scarlet” – A Japanese Craft Amaro
Discover “Scarlet”: A Japanese Craft Amaro Liqueur Now in Ireland
Yamamori is delighted to collaborate with Scarlet for a special bar takeover night at our Izakaya on Tuesday, May 5th. This event is just a one-night special event, don't forget to save the date and come to Yamamori Izakaya on the night!
About the Brand: Discover “Scarlet”: A Japanese Craft Amaro from Iseya Sake Brewery
Iseya Sake Brewery (伊勢谷酒造), located in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, is the creator of “Scarlet,” a distinctive liqueur inspired by traditional Italian amaro. The brewery is housed in a beautifully restored 100-year-old building along the historic Koshu Highway—an ancient route once travelled by merchants and samurai during the Edo period, connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with western Japan. The setting reflects a strong sense of heritage, where craftsmanship and cultural exchange have shaped the region over time.
While detailed historical records are limited, the brewery represents the spirit of Japan’s long-standing artisanal tradition. Like many family-run producers, its approach is built on precision, patience, and respect for the craft—values that have been carefully passed down through generations. The building itself, with its preserved character, offers a glimpse into a more traditional and thoughtful way of production.
“Amaro,” meaning “bitter” in Italian, is known for its complex and refined flavour, with well-known examples such as Campari. Originally developed for its medicinal qualities, amaro blends botanicals, herbs, and roots to create a rich and layered taste.
Combining this European tradition with Japanese craftsmanship, Iseya Shuzo has created its own interpretation, “Scarlet.” It is carefully handcrafted using traditional methods, with every step—from infusion to bottling—handled by the family. The result is an elegant and distinctive liqueur that brings together tradition and innovation in a balanced way.
Please meet Moto
Tatsuya Motonaga, CEO of Iseya Sake Brewery, the makers of Scarlett.
After working at the malt bar "Bar CAOL ILA" in Shibuya, Motonaga worked as a bartender at "Bar BenFiddich" in Shinjuku, "WA-SHU Japanese Wine" in Taiwan, and "Whiskey Cat", a sister store of Golden Promise in China. After that, he was greatly influenced by the way alcohol was made there while travelling around Europe, and he became interested in making herbal liquor after realising that "the concept of blending herbal liquor is the same as cocktails."
Moto was one of the top bartenders in Japan for about 10 years; he is a master!
What is amaro
Amaro (Italian for "bitter") is a traditional Italian bittersweet herbal liqueur, typically served as a digestivo (after-dinner drink) to aid digestion. It is made by macerating herbs, roots, flowers, citrus peel, and spices in alcohol (brandy or neutral spirit), then sweetening it.
Five years ago, nobody in Japan knew about amaro
Japanese people are familiar with Campari, but Amaro has not been widely available in Japan, so Moto travelled around hosting tastings himself.
Moto is committed to sourcing and growing the finest ingredients, from botanicals such as golden berry sprouts, sorrel, and cinnamon to cochineal — a red dye made from insects that gives the spirit its colour. He does everything by hand, from pickling herbs to stirring each batch.
Composition
The idea began not in a distillery, but behind a bar. Through travels across Europe, the connection between land, people, and spirit revealed itself, most clearly along the Swiss-French border. That understanding became the foundation: balance, structure, and time. Scarlet was born from this perspective of bringing together Japanese botani cals with ingredients sourced from around the world. An Amaro without borders, defined by its point of view. Scarlet begins with structure. Botanicals are layered, not to domi nate, but to interact. Flavours move. Textures lengthen. Bitterness, sweetness, and aroma find balance over time. What remains is not a single note, but a living composition in the glass
The menu for the day
Espressivo spritz - €14.50
Scarlet caffè Amaro, sweet vermouth, house-made espresso syrup, balsamic vinegar, & Soda water. “Expressivo” is a spritz full of depth and character. Scar let Caffè Amaro’s bittersweet herbs blend with Barolo Chinato’s rich, wine-like sweetness, lifted by espresso syrup and a touch of balsamic, then finished with soda for a refreshing balance.
Japanello - €14.50
Scarlet Radice, Sake, Mezcal & Honey Vinegar. Japanello is an East-meets-West twist on the Negroni. Scarlet Radice brings earthy bitterness, layered with sake’s soft umami, a touch of smoky mezcal, and honey vinegar for a balanced finish.
Fernet sour - €14.50
Fernet Amaro, Teelings Whiskey, Lemon Juice, Orgeat Syrup & Egg white (optional) A refined sour blending herbal Fernet with smooth Irish whiskey. Bright lemon lifts the drink, while orgeat adds a soft nutty depth. Silky and well-balanced, with a rounded, elegant finish.
Event details
May 5th, Tuesday, 7 pm -
Entry fee is free; no need to reserve a spot for the event
Location: Yamamori izakaya: 12 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2, D02 RD36Bar performance: Moto from the scarlet
