On a holiday night, I visited the bar alone after 9 months. I started with the signature Gin and Tonic, which was truly exquisite with the owner's dedication. "It's been a while, Master." As I looked at the back bar, I spotted an unfamiliar bottle. "It's the 21-year-old Akkeshi Blended," the owner said, "it's not commonly available. By the way, it's 18,000 yen per bottle (laughs)." Encountering such rare finds is one of the charms of this place. As I sipped on the promising flavor, I found myself lost in thought. I'm a fifty-year-old man. My career as a salaryman is reaching its final stages. Lately, I've been feeling a bit worn out. But... the other day, I met a junior colleague from the head office. I was moved by their positive attitude. I can't afford to lose. While getting drunk on the up-and-coming whiskey, I pondered on these thoughts. Because this place is the "resting place of my soul." I look forward to continuing this journey.

To heal the fatigue of the year, I visited the restaurant alone after about three months. Sitting at the usual counter seat, I noticed that all types of my favorite "Yamazaki" were lined up, and even the elusive "Akkeshi Whisky" was next to it. What's going on, Master? "I managed to get my hands on them," he said. It felt like both New Year's and Bon festivals had come at once. I started with my usual Gin & Tonic to relax. I was the only customer there. While sipping on a London Mule, I listened intently to the Master's stories. Whiskey is truly deep. Now, what should be my final drink? Hmm. Sorry, I'll have the "Akkeshi," please. "Try it straight first," he said. Wow, it's quite intense. The alcohol content is too high to really understand. "Add about 20ml of water, and you'll taste the flavors clearly," he advised. I tried again and it's kind of rough, isn't it? "But I feel the potential in the taste," he said. It's like a troublemaker growing up to be the ideal boss. I couldn't become that, though... (tears). It's great to have a variety of whiskies to choose from. Another joy of coming here. "Excuse me, we're a group of four," it seems new customers have arrived. Tonight's purpose is to greet the familiar places. It's time to leave. This place is where I leave my soul. Please take care of me in the future.

I was hesitant to go to Sapporo during the pandemic, so this time I visited various restaurants in Asahikawa instead. This is the final installment of the series, visiting a bar where I felt slightly nervous as I wanted to experience the skills of a seasoned bartender, but the master greeted me with a friendly aura, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Despite the current situation, I was pleasantly surprised. The drinks were perfectly made, but there was a sense of relaxation rather than formality. I got lost in conversation and felt that the bartender must be a really good person. The people living in Asahikawa, where this bartender resides, must be happy. I hope the pandemic ends soon. With this, I conclude the series review. I would like to do a second series in the future. Thanks a lot ♪

10/09/20 As a second party for a workplace social gathering, I attended with two colleagues. Back in the day, there was a time when I risked my life speeding in a car. Days of being talked about behind my back at work while traveling all over the region. In the midst of that, there was a kind-hearted colleague who continued to inspire me. Sitting next to me is that same colleague who is now my new boss. There is no better place to share memories than here. While sipping on Gin & Tonic, memories of the days of racing come to life. When we switch to a LONDON MULE, the conversation speeds up. Well, of course. I used to shift that car at 8200 RPM (laughs). We finish with a rum-based cocktail as requested by my colleague. "This tastes great," he says, being knowledgeable about alcohol. The menu here is created by the master himself. Whatever you want, just ask. Before we know it, we've been sitting here for 2 hours. It's time to wrap things up. Master, I apologize for always causing a ruckus with alcohol. This place is my 'soul's resting place'. I look forward to continuing our relationship in the future.

On 20/07/03, I attended a farewell party for my junior colleague with two other people. She is a ballerina junior who transferred from Sapporo last year. She is a kind older sister who always takes care of this fifty-year-old guy. She has been promoted to the head office after just one year! I have to thank her for taking care of me. Junior, I will take you to your favorite restaurant today. Where would you like to go for the second place? "I want to go to a gin & tonic bar." Yoshitake Building No. 5, top floor. The specialty here is the bartender's carefully made gin and tonic. Ice-cold Sipsmith London Dry Gin and Fever-Tree Tonic Water are poured quietly. It's a tradition to squeeze lime after the second sip. Now, let's cheers. "Delicious..." With this one word from my junior, tonight's mission is complete (laughs). With a top-notch cocktail in hand, various conversations blossom. I would be happy if this place is remembered when you think of Asahikawa. This is my "soul's resting place." Master, I'm sorry for the noisy drinking tonight. Please continue to take care of us.

12/06/20 Four of us gathered to savor some exquisite cocktails. It had been two months since our last visit, and I had been eagerly anticipating this day! The gin and tonic made with the owner's carefully selected ingredients was as delicious as ever. The London Mule, a gin version of the Moscow Mule, was also delightful with its strong ginger flavor. Despite my lack of knowledge about cocktails, I left the menu choices to my boss and colleagues. The boss, who loves to sing, was impressed by the Dry Martini, exclaiming, "This is amazing!" Another colleague, who enjoys writing reviews, was charmed by the atmosphere of the place, saying, "This is a great spot." With a Mojito in hand, he was clearly content. After months of dealing with troublesome situations, life is slowly returning to normal. To the owner, who endured a long break, thank you for your hard work. I apologize for the rowdiness tonight. This place is my "soul's resting place." I look forward to continuing to enjoy it in the future.

I read the reviews of two people and this was a restaurant I really wanted to visit. The owner of this restaurant used to work at the bar "Edisons" located on the top floor of the now-closed "Asahikawa Grand Hotel." I used to visit Edisons regularly and it was a favorite bar of mine. I wanted to go on a Saturday, the last day of business, but couldn't make a reservation and missed the opportunity to go on the final day. When I came here, I ordered the "Gin and Tonic" (1,000 yen, plus a 10% service charge). The Gin and Tonic here is the master's recommended combination of "Sipsmith London Dry Gin" and "Fever-Tree Tonic Water." The gin is stored in the refrigerator, resulting in a refreshing drink without any unpleasant flavors. I started with the excellent Gin and Tonic and was advised to squeeze lime in halfway through, which enhanced the flavor. For the second drink, I had the "London Mule" (1,000 yen) which also used Sipsmith London Dry Gin with Fever-Tree Ginger Beer. It already had lime in it and was also refreshing with a pleasant bitterness. As a charm, they served "Prosciutto and Egg Sandwich," which was delicious with lots of eggs sandwiched between small pieces of bread. I finished it quickly and wanted more snacks, so I ordered "Mixed Nuts" (500 yen) which also included "Kakipi" (dried persimmon seeds). It was a nice touch to have Kakipi in a stylish bar. They also had a variety of whiskies, so for the third drink, I had "Scapa" (1,000 yen) on the rocks, a Scotch malt whisky. The master had experience working at the Sapporo Grand Hotel's "Bar Caravel" before Edisons and his long experience in hotel bars was evident in the friendly service. It was a very cozy bar!

*Gin and tonic*Gin lime*Gin fizz*Gin rickey*Gimlet*Gin buckI like gin-based drinks, so I sometimes drink them when they are ice-cold from the freezer...♪*ﾟIt's not just sake...(*´艸`)When I go to a bar, I often order the same thing... Depending on the time and atmosphere, if it's a reliable place, I can expect good gin drinks too( * ॑꒳ ॑* )【Gin and tonic】♬Oh, are you already drunk? The glass is crooked~(laughs)That's funny... It seems like I'll get even more tipsy(￣∀￣)Delicious...♪*ﾟOf course, with plenty of freshly cut lime... As for the gin... What was it again? I think they explained it but... I forgot( ˊᵕˋ ;)Oh, by the way, I don't remember the bartender's face either... Well, that's okay... They're professional, so I might go back again sometime♬Oh yes... I just remembered from Blue-san's review, you used to work at the former Edisons, right? (￣▽￣;)Thanks for the meal~✩.*˚

01/20/15 To fill the gap in my heart, I decided to go alone. It has been many years since that time. The top floor of the Asahikawa Grand Hotel. There used to be a bar called "Edisons" there. The first week of July. It was a tradition to watch the sunset from the counter with a junior who is no longer with us. I heard that there is a bar run by a former bartender from "Edisons," so I decided to visit. I entered at 8:17 PM. The owner recommended a gin and tonic. They store the dry gin in the freezer and use special tonic water. I can't remember the last time I had gin. So, I'll have a gin and tonic, please. It's delicious. After taking a sip, I couldn't help but mutter, "Thank you." "Next, please squeeze a lime and enjoy it," I was told. I squeezed the lime as instructed and took another sip. It's really good. With my head spinning from the alcohol, I pondered on various things. No conclusions were reached. After having three gin and tonics, I realized something. I have to keep running on the track. Can I have a Yamazaki 12-year on the rocks for my last drink, please? "The Yamazaki will be exactly 5000 yen," I was told. "By the way, how did you find out about our bar?" I found out on Tabelog (laughs). I finished the rare single malt and left at 9:50 PM. I have been living in this unfamiliar town for several years now. It seems like I have finally found a place for my soul. I will come back to bathe in the exquisite gin and tonic. Please continue to take care of me in the future. Thank you for the great restaurant recommendation, Ageha.

I'm not familiar with bars, but let's try exploring something new! It's in the building next to a Paris street, Yoshitake Building No. 5. The shop sign is simple, just like the name of the place! No cover charge, which is nice. According to the name, let's try their specialty drinks! - Vir Gin & Tonic for 1000 yen: It's served in a stylish glass that is slanted. It's refreshing with a hint of bitterness, really delicious. - London Mule for 1000 yen: A gin-based Moscow Mule. It's refreshing, spicy, and also delicious. They store the dry gin in the freezer and use Fever-Tree tonic water, the ultimate gin and tonic combo. Would you like to order some food? They said it comes with snacks! But wait, I thought there was no cover charge? Turns out, it's a complimentary service! They served us egg sandwiches and prosciutto. The bread was fluffy and delicious, like some high-end bakery's bread. There was a jar in front of us. My companion joked if it was an urn? It did look like that with the marble design. I thought they might be aging sweet potato shochu in it, but it turned out to be a mirror moonshine for all-you-can-drink. The master used to work at the Grand Hotel in Sapporo and then at the bar of the Grand Hotel in Asahikawa. When OMO7 was opened, he decided to open this place instead. They also offer karaoke with all-you-can-drink, so it seems like a place for a lively night out. I've found a casual bar to visit. Let's go to another one!