Angels’ Share

When newly distilled whisky is stored in casks and matured, a minuscule amount of it evaporates every year, This lost portion is said to have been drunk by angels, and is thus referred to as the ‘angels’ share’. In other words, the powers that be give their blessing to the distiller in exchange for a tiny portion of his or her product. With its name derived from such an obscure term, you might suspect that this specialist bar in chic Futako-Tamagawa is one of those places where connoisseurs go to have endless conversations about whisky and its many nuances, scaring any couples far away before they even make it through the door. But you’d be wrong: Angels’ Share is actually rather apt for a date, mainly thanks to the supremely friendly fellow behind the counter. Kenji Imai is a whisky expert to the core, but he’ll never turn away first-timers or resort to half-hearted recommendations, as some less service-minded Tokyo barmen might. Imai’s passion runs deep, and his guidance is sure to lead both of you deep into the fascinating world of fine malts.