Hard Drinkers, Lets Drink Hard (Spirits, Liquors and Cocktails)

[pechelman]

The bartenders are absolutely fantastic there. Only wish it was no smoking and maybe a little less known with the international crowd.

[SourPower]

@pechelman interesting, we were the first customers and had the bar to ourselves for an hour. Once it filled in, it was a good mixture of Japanese and Gaijin- because this is a holiday weekend there are a lot of domestic tourists in Osaka. I did not notice anyone smoking, or the smell of cigarettes anywhere in this evening.

[pechelman]

Sounds like a great experience that night. The few times we've been on different trips it's always been smokey without any locals. I still love the place.

[goosehd]

When in Rome:

[ARNC]

I’ve taken two new bottles away with me this week. One I’ve wanted to try for ages and one inspired by recent discussion on here - vs

This is the first one and initial impressions are positive!

[Jett129]

@ARNC I bet that's delicious!

[ARNC]

@Jett129 I’m definitely glad I brought it! The only other whisky from Stauning I’ve tried is “Bastard” and I definitely prefer this.

[SourPower]

I have been waiting a decade to experience the hallowed grounds of the Yamazaki Distillery.

It is hard to put into words how incredible their property and tasting lounge makes you feel. Outstanding experience from start to finish as we explored their Whisky Museum, imbibed on some of the finest drams of our lives, and exited through their gorgeous Gift Shop…

After sampling their premiere aged Whiskies, we were most impressed by the beautiful peat smoke and Sherry notes of the Hakushu 25. I will be dreaming of this bottle until I am lucky enough to taste it again some day…

[ARNC]

@SourPower that looks so good!

[SourPower]

@ARNC thanks brother!

[ARNC]

Trying option 2 tonight - inspired by recent discussion here and also strangely appropriate as the place I’m staying this week is about 7 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon.

[Jett129]

@ARNC Nice pour,and what did you think?

[ARNC]

@Jett129 very different to the Stauning last night but also good. The Bardstown is somehow gentler despite the higher ABV. Maybe it’s better suited to late summer/early autumn and the Stauning more for later in the season with its singed orange, cinnamon and ginger notes. I’ll have to revisit both before I’m sure.

No regrets about either!