Happy New Year

To all of you, Happy New Year for 2015. I've already started drinking early in the year. My first drink of the year was an Orkney 1992 bottled by Yoshinoya and Campbell's of the Roppongi, which I'm opening at home today. For some reason, there's a feeling that the first drink of the new year should be something newly released. As mentioned in a previous article, recent releases have a bright and fragrant aroma, but they also tend to lack the woody character that can sometimes be overpowering, making them pleasant to drink. Perhaps because it's freshly uncorked, the honey-like notes seem more prominent than when I drank it in Roppongi. It's also good for drinking continuously while slightly drunk, and above all, it gives a warm and positive feeling. I was able to enjoy something suitable for the New Year this year. Last year, I had many encounters with bottles and people related to whisky. These experiences motivated me to keep updating my blog daily, and surprisingly enough, I've introduced over 1500 bottles since the blog's inception. Additionally, last year I was able to write articles aimed at whisky beginners, such as 'Whiskies Recommended for Beginners' and 'My Thoughts on Whisky Knowledge and Qualifications,' which made me feel deeply grateful for the exchange of opinions. Furthermore, last year was a year filled with opportunities to think about changes that occur after uncorking or bottling. I believe that if I take my time and seriously taste a bottle, I can generally sense its appeal. However, sometimes the character of a whisky changes dramatically over time after uncorking, and when I encounter such bottles, I realize that my tasting notes and ratings are merely capturing a fleeting moment in the life of that bottle. Also, some standout bottles have started to emerge, particularly those from the 1990s distillations. Looking ahead, it's interesting to consider how these newly released bottles will change and bring us joy in the future. From past experiences, there are parts I can predict and parts I cannot. Even if I do predict something, it's uncertain whether it will turn out that way. However, I believe that by continuing to think carefully and drinking with a stoic approach, I can improve the accuracy of my predictions. I intend to continue this long-term relationship with whisky, and I hope to enjoy it with an eye on the future. This year too, I look forward to encountering wonderful bottles, whether they are new releases or old ones. Wishing you all a wonderful year. Thank you again this year. T. Matsuki