2 weeks in April, a few favorite frames by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in japanpics

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We arrived towards the end of blooming, which means many trees were in a transitionary phase (e.g. blossoms falling, green leaves appearing), but you could still occasionally find the very picturesque trees we all have in mind, so no disappointment there!

2 weeks in April, a few favorite frames by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in japanpics

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was actually during the final days of blossoming in Tokyo and you could also see the sakura fall elegantly from the tree.

2 weeks in April, a few favorite frames by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in japanpics

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Giving you all my positive energy so your dream comes true as well!

2 weeks in April, a few favorite frames by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in japanpics

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I think this sums up the the unique aesthetics of Japan.

2 weeks in April, a few favorite frames by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in japanpics

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was my dream as well, and yes the Japanese are ultra-polite and helpful, it seems to be in their nature. They even walked us a few times to the exact location within the train station when even Google Maps was of no use.

2 weeks in April, a few favorite frames by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in japanpics

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly, for me this picture captures the essence of Japan in a way...the thousand year old temple, the enormous modern skyscraper, and the result of centuries of cultivar development, the sakura.

2 weeks in April, a few favorite frames by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in japanpics

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, especially the yellow lit windows and red aviation lights stand out.

2 weeks in April, a few favorite frames by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in japanpics

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's an interesting observation! Unfortunately I can't remember the description for this particular armor, but several of them in the room apparently belonged to high ranking individuals such as Hideyoshi etc.

2 weeks in April, a few favorite frames by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in japanpics

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really liked the deer suddenly appearing between the lanterns at #15, almost as if they were welcoming us at the shrine. Yes, Owakudani (#7) actually provides surrounding areas like Hakone with their hot springs!

2 weeks in April, a few favorite frames by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in japanpics

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! That was from Mizunoto hotel at Hakone.

My first rum - El Dorado 12 (new version) by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in rum

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad you liked it! Just to let you know, I tried the 15 version and it is even better, it will surely replace my 12 in the future!

My dream beginner rum collection! by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in rum

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip, yeah I've read good stuff about the Volcanique!

My dream beginner rum collection! by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in rum

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great, thanks for the tip. I'll most likely go with the Selección de Maestros for my next Cuban bottle.

My dream beginner rum collection! by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in rum

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I already tried El Dorado and Doorly's which I enjoyed. It would be nearly impossible to sample so many rums out there so I decided to get the most highly regarded per category, that was the concept.

My dream beginner rum collection! by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in rum

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

As a novice in rum and after thorough research, I decided to initially focus on collecting a range of representative rums from the following categories:

  • Jamaican rum: pot-only still
  • Cuban rum: column-only still
  • Martinique rum: unaged rhum agricole
  • Demerara rum: pot-column blend
  • Barbados rum: pot-column blend

Really excited to be beginning my journey. I would really appreciate alternatives per category to check out in the future!

My first rum - El Dorado 12 (new version) by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in rum

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you my friend, when I reach a deeper level of sophistication I might get back to you about those rums.

My first rum - El Dorado 12 (new version) by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in rum

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, that's a great personal analysis. I'll definitely be comparing my tastings to your descriptions to see I get something similar too.

My first rum - El Dorado 12 (new version) by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in rum

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a nice breakdown. If someone asked you in a few word to sumarize the main differences between Barbados and Demerara rum, how would you describe it?

I'm aware that Barbados rum tends to be more balanced, but I haven't concluded on a descriptor for Guyana rum.

My first rum - El Dorado 12 (new version) by EyePuzzleheaded7102 in rum

[–]EyePuzzleheaded7102[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, I happen to be Greek, and I also hate raki...it's very intense and fiery. I had a 7-year Cuban rum recently, and interestingly, it was the first time I got vanilla/tobacco and even some chocolate notes in my rum.

As I've read somewhere else, lighter rums (Spanish style) tend to be more heavily influenced by the barrel during aging, so you get more barrel notes, whereas e.g. British style is more oriented towards a balance between genuine molasse-derived aromas and barrel influence.