Walking through Nakano district on a crisp evening, I was fulfilling a long-standing promise to visit Bar Megumi. The anticipation had built up over nearly a year, centered around their special release of a private bottling from Gaieflow Distillery in Shizuoka. The owner had invested in a mini cask ownership program at the distillery’s inception, patiently waiting three years for the spirits to mature before bottling. This exclusive offering had been calling my name since hearing about its planned release at the end of last year, and now, with November approaching, I finally made my way to experience this unique spirit.
My evening began at the Liquor Museum Nakano, a regular haunt that never fails to impress with its expertly curated selection. The establishment’s owner possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of spirits, making each visit an educational journey through both familiar and exotic libations. What sets this venue apart is not just its impressive selection, but its remarkably reasonable pricing structure, ranging from 500 to 1,500 yen per pour. Despite its modest size, with just a counter and a small table, the stand bar’s commitment to quality and accessibility makes it a treasured destination for serious drink enthusiasts. During this visit, I embarked on a fascinating rum exploration, sampling various expressions from Scotland to Japan, each telling its own story of origin and craftsmanship. A chance conversation with a neighboring patron led to trying their renowned Irish coffee, adding an unexpected but delightful detour to my planned tasting journey.
The evening culminated at Bar Megumi, where the atmosphere was particularly festive due to what I hazily recall as an anniversary celebration. A chance encounter with a visitor from Kyushu led to shared champagne and animated conversation, creating that special warmth that only spontaneous bar friendships can bring. The highlight, however, was finally tasting the long-anticipated Gaieflow private bottling. The wait proved worthwhile – the whiskey stood out as singularly exceptional, surpassing my recent tasting experiences with its distinctive character. While the exact cost of the evening’s libations may have blurred in memory, the experience itself was undoubtedly worth every yen, especially given the limited availability of this special release.