Whisky Tasting Session @ Neo Sujin Beer Garden, Shimogyo, Kyoto.

Despite doing this for over 2 years, strangely I have yet written an article just dedicated to my boozy endeavours. Sure beer and shochu do pop out from time to time, but they are mere side characters compared to the usual meal that I have it with. Well, all of this is about the change as this drinking session, truly deserves the attention it gets. 

Front of the counter

As you would have probably read in my previous post about Neo Sujin (if you have not, please click here), there is a bar that serves various types of alcoholic beverages, with some local and some imports. And the one who was guiding me was Mako. A student in Kyoto University, Mako was doing this as a summer job. Despite that, she was quite knowledgeable with the drinks on tow and happily explained to me her recommendations and flavour profiles of what the bar has. 

Le menu

Sure there are usual beer suspects like Heineken and Jagermeister , but I didn't come to Japan just for that right? And since Japanese whisky is really getting some momentum, I am all game in trying out what is in store. 

Round one

And Mako introduced me to the Akashi from Hyogo prefecture as my first sampler. For a first drink in this course, it was quite pleasant. There was a slightly sweet fragrance to it. Almost vanilla-like if I say so myself. And the flavour of this tonic is just as flavourful and complex as the fragrance you have smelled earlier. 

Simple but a pretty label. 

I really like it. And my usual way of drinking it will be on the rocks. I really like it. Did I say that I like it? 

Round 2

The second one that comes onto the stage was Sapporo Whisky, from where? You guessed it correctly, Sapporo, Hokkaido. No to be confused with the more popular Nikka brand, this fine spirit was from the Sapporo Shuisei company, where as the Nikka, is was well, from the Nikka Whisky Distillery Company. And on a side note, the Nikka plant is actually located in Yoichi, which is also in Hokkaido.  Yet, despite not being as reputable, this golden delight was a great whisky to drink. It has more intensity to the flavour, and is not as floral. There is a spicy element to it as well. Also another drink that is worthy of recommended. Once again, it was on the rocks. 

This was very nice...

And now for an intermission. After having two somewhat strong beverages, Mako recommended me to try some umeshu (plum wine) as a palate cleanser, which was a good idea. Umeshu is much lighter and has a soft drink feel to it. Meaning to say, it has a more cooling effect than that of whisky, which tend to provide a more dry-mouth feel. And for this one, its the Umekoeda (梅小枝) which is locally sourced from Kyoto. It was really refreshing. So if you have friends that are following you but are not real fans of spirit, perhaps a glass of umeshu can help solve this problem for you.

The final one, with the 3 whisky brothers at the background. 

Last but not least, the Mars 3&7 from Nagano was the final shot for the day. This whisky is named 3 & 7 for its use of three year grain and seven year malt whisky in the blend. And this was quite intense. There was a real fiery element to it and had a woody flavour, with hints of cinnamon. It was pretty good, but personally, I would prefer the Sapporo among the 3 I had. 

Strong

I am not a whisky expert nor do not intend to be a whisky expert anytime soon. However, I would consider this up my alley, as I have always enjoyed trying out different flavours and textures. And why not have a go with whisky. I personally enjoyed my time at this bar which is strangely labelled as "階段", or "stairs" in the Neo Sujin map. Also, it was quite nice to talk to Mako. She was a gracious host and I do wish her the very best in her studies. If she is still around in the event you are visiting there, you will be in good hands. However, do note that our conversation was exclusively in Japanese though. 

Thank you for your company and all the best to you Mako!

So if you want to get out of the touristy sake bars, but you do not want have a hammering session in your nearby Family Mart (I would not judge), Neo Sujin really will sort you out nicely. Each drink was about ¥500-600 a shot and the company was fantastic. I also had a conversation with 2 tourists form the Netherlands, which was nice.

For the sake of completeness, the address is as follows: 

〒600-8207 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Kaminocho, 19−6

PS: Happy new Year everyone! Hope you had a good start to your 2020. And in the spirit in ushering a new chapter ahead of us, why not a toast? Or lets make that many toasts.