Japanese Whisky As I’m currently living in Japan, I have the opportunity to acquire some domestically produced whiskies that are not often sold internationally. I wrote a short guide on where you can purchase whisky in Japan. Individual Reviews: Nikka Miyagikyo 2004 — From the Barrel — Distillery Exclusive Akkeshi Sarorunkamuy Nikka…

Much like Malt Review, I feel that the current hundred point system is both capricious and arbitrary, and too much time is spend around the 80/100 level and not enough range is given to the full possibility of expression. So, future reviews will be marked up on a 10-point scale…

I recently bought the Anfibio Nano RTC, a very affordable watercraft called a packraft, and took it out on Nakagawa River (旧中川) for a test spin. This raft is tiny, and it and all of its accessories (ex-paddle) fit completely in one small backpack-like waterproof bag.

I’ve updated the list of well-known distilleries that sell casks to the public, as well as the list of up-and-comers. If you see any missing, or any errors/broken links/etc, please let me know in the comments!

I was hoping for a bit more polish; maybe worth a revisit in a few years?

What a beautiful label! Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 146 / 45.2% / $40 USD Tasted neat This Woodford Reserve was bottled in 2020 for the 146th Kentucky Derby, but as Covid happened, it did not take place on May 2nd and so the label printing is slightly incorrect with regards to that date. That year, the Derby took place on…

I just want to drop a recommendation for a delicious summer citrus liquer, made by Okinawan distillery and brewer Helios. Made with Okinawan shikuwasa citrus and yuzu, it’s light, refreshing, and slightly tart. You can buy it direct from Helios or via Furusato Nozei!

Let’s take a look at three uncommon Bunnahabhain expressions that I’ve got on my desk this evening. Bunnahabhain Eirigh Na Greine / 46.3% / £60 Tasted neat This no-age-statement Bunnahabhain for the travel-retail market was exclusively matured in Italian and French red wine casks. The marketing label notes that Eirigh Na Greine means “Morning Sky” in Scots Gaelic…

Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold Nantou Omar 2020 Lychee Liqueur Barrel Finish / 54% ABV Tasted neat Nantou Omar offers a cask-strength single malt finished in a Lychee Liqueur barrel. The bottle date here is 2020.10.14 (F), and it is non-chill-filtered. After 3–4 years of aging in ex-bourbon barrels, it’s finished in Lychee Liquer casks…