You didn’t see it coming and now that’s all you can think about. Once you find it, Stone & Soil does not compete for your attention. It simply exists, confident in what it is.
Guided by omotenashi, a Japanese philosophy of hospitality rooted in tea ceremonies, a tradition of service without expectation, of anticipating needs before they are spoken. It is a quiet, almost invisible form of care, and it permeates every corner of this hidden room inside the Park South Hotel by Hyatt in Nomad Manhattan.
The bar’s warmth, texture, and intentionally understated decor, allows the drinks and hospitality to become the focal point. Guests range from cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals to creatives and travelers seeking an experience beyond a traditional night out.
There is an unspoken energy within the space—a blend of curiosity, precision, and relaxed confidence—where every detail, from the music to the glassware, contributes to a feeling of discovery without pretension.
Master Mixologist Rio Azmee focuses on a style heavily influenced by culinary techniques, Japanese precision bartending, and modern cocktail minimalism. His approach centers on creating drinks that feel emotionally familiar while technically progressive, often drawing inspiration from ingredients and traditions not commonly represented in contemporary cocktail bars.
His signature touch lies in balancing high-concept execution with accessibility—cocktails that challenge expectations while remaining deeply drinkable. The philosophy behind Stone & Soil is grounded in contrast: refinement and comfort, technique and simplicity, innovation and nostalgia.
The bar operates from the belief that cocktails should tell stories, spark conversation, and create memory through flavor. Every aspect of the program is guided by intentionality; from sourcing and preparation to presentation and pacing to create an experience that feels immersive rather than performative.
The Altamura Distilleries Experience
At Stone & Soil, the menu is designed as a sensory journey rooted in transformation, texture, respect for ingredients and cultural storytelling. Each cocktail begins with a familiar foundation and evolves through modern techniques such as clarification, fermentation, distillation, and acid balancing to create something both unexpected and deeply approachable.
Altamura Distilleries Vodka, No.3 Gin, Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino, Butterfly Absinthe.
The experience moves between vibrant tropical profiles, earthy savoury layers, and restrained elegance, reflecting a philosophy where ingredients are treated with the same reverence as a chef would approach a tasting menu. Altamura Distilleries naturally aligns with this vision—its structure and character allow the spirit to carry complexity while remaining seamless within highly layered cocktails.
