I was going to leave for my next destination, but had to go for one more, because I’m in my own little heaven… Bruichladdich 26y This is BAR ACE Ikebukuro for all you whiskey lovers, and cocktails too, if that’s your thing. Just tell the gentleman at the bar what you like and you will get all the recommendations to choose from. #whiskey #tokyo #ikebukuro #japan

After dinner, a few proper drinks are required on the way to full Ikebukuro debauchery. Caol Ila sherry and bourbon cask 10y Clan Denny Bowmore 21y #whiskey #japan #tokyo #foodstr

Stop 6. J’s Bar. They had something lovely for me as well from the Caol Ila distillery. This has been a very successful bar hop! #whiskey #tokyo #japan #foodstr #food

Ok so my number 5 stop is Hub, but don’t blame me. I’ve got gold, so it’s a good discount, and the pour, for a Laphroaig 10, can’t be beat. Also it’s my first time at this hub so it counts. I’m also going to add food tags for those who haven’t been following. #tokyo #japan #whiskey #foodstr #food

Third stop was a bust. Shot Bar Asha looked nice, but table charge of ¥1000 for appetizers wasn’t in my hashigo vibe. Maybe another time. Instead I’ve come to Ale House. B1 pub, apparently with live music Tuesday and Thursday from 8-9 pm. Caol Ila double to start. The staff are really nice here. I want to try the jerk chicken but he said 40 minutes in the oven. I don’t have 40 minutes tonight but I’ll be back. Most importantly… right when I was about to leave, he recommended the Classic of Islay whiskey, an unnamed from Lagavulin. Winning! #tokyo #japan #whiskey

Ok. Second stop. Aloha Whiskey Bar. One of the best whiskeys I’ve experienced in a long time. It’s a 30 year undisclosed Lapharoig apparently. It was insanely beautiful, fruity, and light footed for Laphroaig, but still had that character I love. Also had an old classic 10yr, wonderful and less punchy than usual. https://www.whiskynotes.be/2021/undisclosed/islay-single-malt-30-years-whisky-jury/ #whiskey #japan #tokyo

A little something for my namesake… It’s 梯子 (hashigo) night, or bar hopping night as I explore Ikebukuro. My first stop was Bar Ace. Nice guy at the bar and good whiskey recommendations for me. I started with a wine barrel whiskey distilled at Caol Ila. It was excellent, as are all things from Caol Ila. Also had a 10 year Lagavulin directly from a mini cask. Both great. Good atmosphere. Where shall I go next? #whiskey #tokyo #japan