There’s a bar in Shinbashi that’s known for its single malts. I have no idea whether it’s easy to make a living specialising in single malts, but seeing as they’ve kept the place going for about three years now, there must be a market for it. They’re on Twitter too, so you can check what bottles they have before you visit, which is nice.

My picks on the first visit.

All three were hugely satisfying. The Craigellachie from Zenith was beautifully balanced, but the trouble is there’s nowhere to buy it… it’s a whisky you can’t get hold of unless you’re in the trade. The Cigar Malt 19 Year was a wonderful whisky that shattered my preconceptions about sherry-matured whisky. I think it’s one of those whiskies you have to try at least once in your life.

On my next visit I tried some of their recommendations too. The Arran from Hart Brothers was rather good.

And a Brora

The price is so far out of reach these days that buying one doesn’t even cross my mind. Tasting it, the character was intense and not really to my liking. Expensive whiskies are something you have to drink when a good chance comes along. A bar that specialises in single malts is a precious thing.

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