Scotland Travelogue: May 24th (8th Day, Final Day) – Afterword

After eating a breakfast that could generously be described as 'not delicious' on the plane and dozing off, we were already landing. Arriving safely in Japan around 7:00 AM Japanese time. Since it was Kansai Airport, there was still a connecting flight to Haneda, but more worrying was the potential damage to the bottles. I anxiously waited at the baggage claim. One by one, the luggage arrived, and at least they didn't seem wet. However, my relief was short-lived; as I paid the duty on the bottles, a faint but unmistakable whiskey aroma wafted through. A big shock! Which bottle was it? I was completely at a loss. I went outside and opened each one to check. The thought of my suitcase and boxes being completely messed up crossed my mind, but none of them seemed to be leaking. After checking each one carefully, I found only one bottle with a noticeable scent—apparently a minor leak. There was no damage to the bottles or their surroundings, and it was well within acceptable limits. I once again thanked those who helped with the packaging. It felt like my efforts over these past few days were finally rewarded. Naturally, I couldn't help but shake hands with my partner who had packed the luggage together with me. After carefully unpacking the puzzle-like packaging, splitting the contents with my partner, repackaging my share, and checking it in for the ANA flight to Haneda. Although there was plenty of time before the transfer, I encountered unexpected delays due to differing weight limits and carry-on rules between domestic and international flights. I might not have made it on time without help. However, the service on domestic flights was truly exceptional; my precious bottles were handled with remarkable care compared to before. I quickly ate udon inside Kansai Airport, realizing once again how much Japanese food suits my taste. Feeling a bit lonely after parting ways with my companions, I headed alone to Haneda. It was my first time flying this route, but halfway through the flight, I could clearly see Mount Fuji above the clouds. As I reminisced about my journey while gazing at the scenery, I arrived. Thanks to the careful handling, all the bottles were received without any issues. After that, I returned home in Tokyo, placed my luggage in the room, and since it was still early afternoon, I went to the kindergarten to pick up my daughter and took a pleasant nap with her. Although unpacking was done in the middle of the night (laughs), I fell asleep after confirming all bottles were safe, preparing for work the next day. Thus, my journey to Scotland came to a close. ~After This Journey~ This trip allowed me to gain many experiences and reflections. Among these, what struck me most was the immense effort local individuals put into selecting whiskey casks and importing them to Japan. Although no one speaks of it, tasting an overwhelming number of samples—some of which are clearly inferior—is truly arduous. Even I, who only participated partially, felt this burden. Moreover, as a simple drinker, I could just evaluate based on my personal preferences (nearly like a spectator), but the whiskey group leaders who accompanied me had to consider much more: whether the aroma is good, if bartenders would find it easy to use in stores, how it compares with past releases, whether it follows trends or offers unique organizational proposals, its future potential, and if it's priced and available in reasonable quantities. This requires far more thought than I could manage. As a result of a year's worth of experience and building local connections, despite the scarcity of casks this year, we were clearly able to obtain higher quality bottles than last year. Selecting and importing high-quality casks is no easy task, but I certainly support such work and have great expectations for the future. While it may not be essential for drinkers to consider the intentions or efforts of those who selected the bottles, occasionally reflecting on these aspects can add meaningful depth to one's drinking experience. In fact, not only the group but also organizations like Exchanges, Agencies, Maison du Whisky, and Beyra Flour have common nuances that can be felt. Could this become one of the joys for drinkers? Another strong impression from this trip was the difficulty in acquiring limited-edition bottles, such as those for the Islay Festival, and bringing them back to Japan. It's far from a simple souvenir bought on the side during a festival. Relying on last-minute information, I had to carefully plan strategies, wake up very early, and wait for hours in the cold. These were bottles that would surely become expensive if not sold immediately, yet at Yurakucho, they were always opened and provided at low prices. This time, I truly realized how much effort was put into making customers happy. Since I can't attend the Islay Festival for a while, I'll have to wait in Japan next year and beyond. However, I will be even more mindful of this. By the way, another strong realization was that I am an abnormal 'rain man.' This time too, it had been sunny the day before my arrival and remained so after I left. Oh right, even my wedding day was a torrential downpour! There's not much I can do about this, so next time, I'll make sure to inform my travel companions in advance and prepare them mentally (laughs). Finally, I sincerely thank those who helped with hotel bookings, ticket reservations, detailed explanations of procedures, long-distance driving, and negotiations during local issues. Additionally, I had the privilege of connecting with many individuals involved in whiskey locally, and everyone was truly wonderful and kind. Thanks to all of you, this trip became an unforgettable memory. Thank you very much. T. Matsuki ※At Hunter's Rain Tasting Room