TOKYO WHISKEY LIBRARY--go for the Shots not the food (3-17-26)

 Our first night in Tokyo was a tad frustrating due to some miscommunication from our ground operator. They had made a reservation for us at TOKYO WHISKY LIBRARY for a tasting and dinner but did not tell us we had to get there by ourselves. After some back and forth, we arrived about 30 minutes late to a large open upstairs bar and dining venue which had a cozy feel to it with one long bar and many levels of whisky bottles along the entire wall; ladders slid back and forth like a book library to access the different bottles. The menu was daunting, but our meal was alas pre-chosen, set and even had the 10 whisky options up front. Our server tried to explain the procedure to us as we perused the very boring set menu, and we finally called the manager over to try and understand how this place worked. Apparently, we had 90 minutes "free flow" from the time our first glass was delivered until it was "last call" and during this time we could consume as many glasses(tastes) of whisky, beer, wine or other choices on the "included menu."  we settled into a routine which worked, but did feel rushed. 

I will dispense with the food first as it was so basic, it is not really worth mentioning.

the amuse of daikon and some weird cheese was unmemorable and then came a decent place with smoked dill salmon trout, prosciutto with burrata, chicken Caesar and pickles (while I love Japanese pickles they DO NOT go with whisky!).  The grilled fish was as dry as could be although the spice was nice; the chips were so salty, I must have downed three shots with just that small plate. The Pork was one dry piece and one fabulous, while the beef was nice and perfectly cooked to medium rare with an unnecessary coarse mustard.

The whiskeys were all over the place and we were grateful for some help form a brother and sister from Australia at the next table who knew them well and spoke Japanese. 

#1 Amahagan Edition #2, red wine cask was a pleasant start

#2 was one of the most famous ones HAKSHU very fruity and full of flavor

#3 Togouchi was also fruity and very smooooth

#4 Yamazki moved to mellow

#5 Yoichi Single Malt from Nikka we had the eveing before and was too acidic for me

#6 Fuji Single Malt was another could have skipped

#7 SAKURAU was a big winner in Sherry casks

#8 was off the free flow and suggested by our neighbors and was a big winner as an afterwards treat!=AKKESHI Single Malt from Rikka

We are glad we had this experience but have to say that it is best to grab some street food or a meal before coming here, then doing the a la carte options as an after dinner treat!!