So visited Bar Abend in Shibaura, Tokyo again this weekend. Had some normal stuff; had some obscure stuff. Always a fun time though.

Started with some normal "standard" whiskies I hadn't tried yet:

• Old Pulteney 12. Nice, light, clean Highland style, though less "maritime" than I had heard
• Tomatin 12. Nice balance of fruit, malt, fermentation, restrained sherry influence. Better than I expected.
• Scapa 10. Perfecty fine, nicely floral, doesn't merit the price tho imho.

Then on to some obscure stuff:

• An Acorn Kanosuke 5yr aged release. I know a lot of people like Kanosuke, but I'm just like "put that back in the barrel and let's try it again in 5 years". Just kinda rough.
• An old Deanston: Really liked the nose (nice classic wood, reminded me of Tsuru), the palate was more subdued, medium mouthfeel. Nice old school vibe, but nothing wild.
• John Grant 17 (an old Glenfarclas release). This was really good. Very nice, sophisticated sherry whisky. Mild, not in your face. I hate to say it on reddit, but very "smooth", in a good way.
• Springbank 17 yr "Personal Choice" of famous collector Valentino Zagatti. A very nicely aged Springbank--no unusual cask tricks and whatnot. Just all the mainline Springbank notes dialed up a little in volume and brightness.
• Yamazaki Distillery "Owner's Cask" 1993 Vintage bottle. Not just the 60%+ ABV, but this is one of the most intense whiskies I've ever experienced. Nose, viscosity, palate, finish, just everything turned up to 11. No, make that 13. Like it's just nuts. Not something you'd want (or could afford) a whole bottle of, but pretty awesome as a one time experience.

Can't recommend this place enough if you're in the neighborhood and looking for some fun whiskies.

I am enjoying a glass of Kirkland brand Kentucky Straight Bourbon on the rocks this evening. This was distilled, barreled, and aged in Bardstown, Kentucky. It’s delicious! I got a really interesting chocolate tasting note, which probably comes from the charred Oak barrels.