Slightly over-the-top Irish Whiskey & single malt Scotch Whisky selections

Irish Whiskey (Available as single/double - neat, on the rocks, and certainly not with Coke etc)

The Whiskey Shrine

Despite initial appearances, Zig Zag isn't a whiskey bar in Japan. Nor are we an "Irish Pub", at least not in the cliché form that most "Irish Pubs" have sadly become. It ain't exactly the Brazen Head, but it is Irish owned and operated, hence our selection of fine Irish whiskies. Whiskey was invented in Ireland, and the Irish still take the time to Triple Distill before even beginning the long process of maturation. Irish malted barley is usually dried in closed ovens so the barley does not become peat smoked, and the whiskey uses pot stills containing both malted and unmalted barley. There are some variations in process, but the result is a usually a delicate whiskey with caramel, hints of orange peel, vanilla, flowers and other subtle nuances & flavours - a far cry from the peat, smokiness, and salt seaspray associated with some of the more agressive Scotches. So when you visit Zig Zag, pull up a chair, and do as the Irish do - relax, take it easy and enjoy. There is no rush. Not sure what to try - just ask Declan for a hint. Recommendations have asterisks*

Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Available as single/double - neat, on the rocks, and absolutely not with Coke etc)

Behind the whiskey bar

There is of course nothing wrong with blended Scotch whiskies, but Declan is a little bit fussy and has a distinct bias for our single malts, particularly those from the islands - with one of the best single malt selections in Japan. He also doesn't usually bother to stock anything under 10 years old, and won't list the "one offs" purchased at whisky auctions (would you like to taste a 1973 Laphroaig sir?)

As with the Irish whiskey, you can get Stout discounts too. Try an auld favorite? Or try something new? Not sure what to try - head to the whisky bar and ask Declan. Recommendations have asterisks* We also have a few whiskey/whisky based liqueurs for you to enjoy as well. Its one thing to sit on a bar stool with a Guinness or a Gleemenex, talking bollocks and pontificating on matters of no importance, but life doesn't get much better than to sit back and relax with a nice Drambuie or a Glayva. Ask at the bar and enjoy a glass or two of bliss. There are other liqueurs as well of course.

PS: There are absolutely no bottles, zero, zilch, of any Tennessee whiskey or Kentucky Bourbon (sorry Elizabeth), any rye or Japanese or Canadian whiskies, or any blended Scotch whiskies for that matter. Also we can't/won't serve any whiskies with coke etc in them, so please don't ask.

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"Ninety percent I'll spend on good times, women and Irish Whiskey. The other ten percent I'll probably waste." - Tug McGraw

© Declan Murphy - All rights reserved.