October Update (2023): Whiskey, Work, and Wanderings

First and foremost, let me reassure you: I’m still very much alive and kicking! I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted, and some of you might be wondering if I’ve been lost in a whiskey barrel somewhere. Well, not quite.

This summer, I took a well-deserved 3-month paid sabbatical from June to August. It was a refreshing break, but since my return, work has been nothing short of a whirlwind. The sheer volume of tasks and responsibilities has left me with little energy to pour into this blog. I genuinely miss the days when I could maintain a steady rhythm of one post per week. But as you’ve probably noticed, that cadence has taken a backseat.

This post is a bit of a departure from my usual whiskey reviews and product rundowns. I thought it might be fun to occasionally share personal updates, sprinkled with some whiskey tidbits, of course. Think of it as a casual commentary, a space where I can share short-form thoughts without the extensive preparation my usual reviews demand.

Business, Bourbon, and Bruichladdich

A few weeks ago, my team and I had our annual team meetup. Instead of jet-setting to some exotic location (well, at least for me and a couple other colleagues who are based in Japan already), we decided to host it right here in my city, Sapporo. The convenience of a 30-minute subway ride to the hotel was a welcome change. It was a productive week. For added context, we work for a distributed company. This means we normally work remotely and only see each other in person during this annual gathering, in addition to our larger division/company-wide meetups that may also happen once or twice in the year.

One of the highlights was a colleague introducing me to Bruichladdich’s “The Laddie Eight” – an unpeated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It was a delightful departure from my usual bourbon, reminding me a little bit of Nikka’s Taketsuru expression. Our whiskey chats were enlightening, and I’ve now got a list of Scotches to explore. I’m treading carefully, though; diving deep into the world of Scotch might just be a dangerous (and expensive) new obsession!

During the meetup, I also took the opportunity to explore the city’s liquor shops in the evenings. I was on the hunt for three things: a casual “meetup whiskey”, rare finds, and new bottles to try. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye was my chosen companion for the week. While it’s not a groundbreaking bottle, it’s a rarity in my area, and I saw it on the shelf for the first time ever when hunting on the first night. So it was an instant buy! Sharing it with my Scotch-loving colleague and discussing the nuances of bourbon and rye was a memorable experience.

Another bottle I picked up was Blanton’s Takara Red. Nothing new! But I have been meaning to pick one up since finishing off a recent one. If you’ve been following along on this blog, you’ll know that Blanton’s Takara Red (and just Blanton’s in general) isn’t super difficult to find here in Japan. Although, I’ve observed its price steadily climbing over the years, and it’s starting to feel a tad exorbitant. I’m curious to see where the ceiling is for this one.

Recent Bottle Kills

Since my last post, my whiskey shelf has seen a few departures. Most of these were my daily drinkers or bottles that were nearing their end. While it’s always a tad bittersweet to see them go, I take solace in the fact that they served their purpose well, accompanying me through many evenings and conversations.

Here’s a quick rundown of my recent bottle kills:

• x2 Baker’s 7yr (small batch)
• Russell’s Reserve 10yr
• Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
• Knob Creek 9yr
• Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 Legacy Edition #1
• Wild Turkey Rare Breed (not pictured)
• Ezra Brooks 99 Proof (not pictured)

Of this lineup, the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (RR SiB) stands out as a must-have for my daily drinker category. It’s become a bit of a rarity in my area, so I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for it. I’ll also be restocking on the RR 10, Baker’s 7, and pretty much all of the others. However, the JD Legacy Edition won’t be making a comeback on my shelf. It felt too similar to the Old No.7, just with a slight bump in ABV.

A little note to myself and a teaser for all of you: I’ve yet to review the Baker’s 7yr Small Batch. This bourbon has been a consistent delight, and I’m eager to share my thoughts on it. It’s high on my list for the next review.

Fresh Cork Pops & Latest Bottle Haul

Diving deeper into my Blanton’s journey, there are still a couple of reviews I’ve yet to share. Specifically, the standard Gold version and Straight From The Barrel. I did manage to pick up a normal Gold a while back and even prepped all the visuals for the review. However, the actual writing has taken a backseat due to my hectic schedule. But, it’s definitely on my to-do list!

I also picked an Eagle Rare. Despite what the name might imply, these aren’t exactly rare around here though. The main reason I picked this up was because it was the 750ml version of the bottle. Most of what I usually see is the 700ml export version. And here’s the fun part: the 750ml was priced lower than its smaller counterpart. It was a no-brainer.

But the highlight of my recent pick ups? Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel 100 Proof (Bottled in Bond). Touted as a “travelers’ exclusive”, this bottle has piqued my interest. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting their base Single Barrel expressions (Select, Barrel Proof, and most recently Rye), but I’ve yet to pen down a Jack Daniel’s review on my blog. With this new addition completing the “standard” single barrel lineup (that is available in Japan), expect a review soon.

Looking Ahead: What’s on the Horizon?

As we transition into the upcoming months, my schedule is packed to the brim. On the work front, I’m gearing up for a trip to Munich for our division-level meetup. This will be in a few weeks, and it’s going to be an intense week, but I’m looking forward to collaborating with my colleagues and soaking in the vibrant culture of the city.

On a lighter note, there’s an exciting family trip on the cards. We’re heading to Tokyo Disneyland! It’s a first for both the kids and me. While I’ve experienced the magic of Disneyland in California, Tokyo remains uncharted territory. The anticipation is building, and I can’t wait to see the wonder in my kids’ eyes as they step into and experience Disneyland for the first time.

Back to the whiskey realm, there are several bottles lined up (some of which I already mentioned earlier), waiting for their moment in the spotlight. I’m eager to dive deep into each one and share my insights with all of you. While it might take a bit of time given my packed schedule, rest assured, those reviews are coming.

That’s a wrap for now. Stay tuned for more updates, reviews, and adventures in the world of whiskey and beyond! Cheers!

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