Series: Rei Tanaka | Part 6: "A Soft Night"
Part Six: "A Gentle Night"
By Rei TanakaPhotos by Masahiko Nakagawa
On the night before a holiday, a cherished time slowly and quietly arrives.
A moment to enjoy a glass of whiskey.
My beloved cat, a book, and whiskey by my side.
I'm not at all knowledgeable about whiskey, but I've enjoyed it often since a friend recommended it.
To be honest, I wasn't particularly interested in alcohol itself. It started with plum wine, which has an easy-to-understand plum flavor, then sometimes a little sweet liqueur, grape-flavored wine (which I'm sure is also profound), and only recently did I discover the refreshing crispness of summer beer. For me, alcohol is merely an accessory to set the mood.
However, for the past year or so, I've been favoring whiskey. First, I love the color. The mellow aroma and smooth taste of the amber liquid. It's a gentle, endearing hue and texture, different from champagne. I usually drink it as a highball, even in winter, but sometimes I have it on the rocks. If I have the time, making large ice cubes and enjoying them as they slowly melt adds another layer of enjoyment. A little whiskey with my favorite "SNYDER'S" pretzels as a snack makes for a perfectly content moment.
Though I'm a beginner at this level, I'm currently enjoying "Taketsuru 12" as my main drink, which is easily available nearby. I may lack knowledge, but I'm gradually learning to discern my preferences in whiskey, so I'm trying various kinds. However, it's a bother that even if I like a foreign brand, the names are too long and I forget them. For now, the one I can name and favor is "Taketsuru."
I like wine and champagne, but perhaps because whiskey is a distilled spirit, and depending on individual constitution, it doesn't leave me with a hangover or cause puffiness the next day. This is another point I appreciate about whiskey.
With an alcohol content of 40%, I don't drink it excessively. If consumed in moderation, its calorie count is manageable, and with almost zero sugar, it's apparently less likely to cause weight gain. Furthermore, it's a pleasant bonus that the Japan Pharmaceutical Association has announced that whiskey contains melanin-inhibiting components, offering skin-whitening benefits.
A gentle night, guided to sleep by the fragrant sweetness of whiskey and the warm, soft breaths of my beloved cat.
"Whiskey nights are best enjoyed with a novel and my cat. My favorite 'Taketsuru 12' is a smooth, easy-to-drink whiskey with no harshness. The logo and wooden cap exude a mature sophistication."