Hokkaido, Japan: Handling Transition (Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, Kamuy & Okikurmi and Oki Dub Ainu Band)
Release Date: 07/05/2019
Whiskey 101
Spirits & Lyrics
Ever wondered what separates a bourbon from a scotch, or why some whiskeys are best sipped neat while others shine in a cocktail? Grab a glass and settle in as we unravel the rich tapestry of whiskey, from its grainy roots to its refined finish. In this episode of Spirits & Lyrics, we're diving headfirst into the world of whiskey. Whether you're a seasoned sipper or a curious beginner, Whiskey 101 has something for everyone. We'll explore the grains that give whiskey its distinct character, travel the globe to discover different whiskey traditions, and even get into some spirited debates...
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Infinity
Spirits & Lyrics
In the Season 1 finale, the guys cover different concepts of Infinity. First, we talk about creating Infinity Bottle from the collection of ending drops of spirits. Next, the discussion leads to an asteroid in the solar system that could change the face of the human race. Then, we talk about a mythological creature that symbolizes infinity. Finally, we go in-depth about a song from a Mississippi rapper that discusses how to handle infinity across generations.
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Windsor, Ontario: Duality
Spirits & Lyrics
Canada’s riverside city of Windsor and the concept of Duality is the center of the following episode.
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Virginia Beach, USA: Paranoia
Spirits & Lyrics
From a distillery's conception by a paranoid president, an alleged witch dealing with the paranoia of her time, to a song about how systematic attempts to control what it fears can spawn its own paranoia for the communities at risk.
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Hokkaido, Japan: Handling Transition (Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, Kamuy & Okikurmi and Oki Dub Ainu Band)
Spirits & Lyrics
In this episode, Alex and Travis (we miss you James!) to the magical island of Hokkaido in Northern Japan. We talk about the indigenous people to the land called The Ainu (2:03). The forced assimilation of the Ainu into Japanese culture is also discussed (5:30). Then, we cover the representation of Ainu people in popular culture (8:24). The tunnel built to connect Hokkaido to mainland Japan is discussed (11:39). We then get into the Spirit Drink and the creator of Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, Masataka Taketsuru and his purpose of studying in Scotland (13:31). We talk about how he...
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Middle Tennessee, USA: Legacies of Choice
Spirits & Lyrics
The guys visit the Grand Division of Middle Tennessee and talk about Uncle Nearest, The Werewolf of Dickson County & Full Moon on Main Street by Freddie Waters
info_outlineIn this episode, Alex and Travis (we miss you James!) to the magical island of Hokkaido in Northern Japan. We talk about the indigenous people to the land called The Ainu (2:03). The forced assimilation of the Ainu into Japanese culture is also discussed (5:30). Then, we cover the representation of Ainu people in popular culture (8:24). The tunnel built to connect Hokkaido to mainland Japan is discussed (11:39).
We then get into the Spirit Drink and the creator of Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, Masataka Taketsuru and his purpose of studying in Scotland (13:31). We talk about how he met his wife Rita (14:25) in Scotland and the married couple moving to Japan (15:11). We discuss the impact and change in the lives of the couple when World War II starts (17:06). We then talk about the presentation and aroma of the bottle (22:37) before giving it a taste and our thoughts.
The conversation switches to the divine beings of the Ainu culture called The Kamuy (38:10). This switches to the tale of a demigod famous in Ainu mythology named, Okikurmi (44:09). We talk about his origins and his famous struggle with the wind goddess Pikatakamuy (48:45).
We switch to the remix and the Japanese highball and give our thoughts (1:00:50).
Finally, we get into the Lyrics portion of the episode in which we talk about Oki Kano and his group Oki Dub Ainu Band (1:06:27). We discuss his time in New York and how he finds out about his biological father (1:12:43). We then talk about when he is gifted the musical instrument of his ancestors, The Tonkori (1:17:40) and how it inspired Oki Kano to move to Hokkaido (1:21:54). Finally, we talk about his unique sense of style (1:27:32) and discuss a few musical selections off the album Utarhythm (1:30:07).