2016 was a year that will forever be etched in the memory of Laos, and by extension, the story of LAODI.
It was the year Vientiane hosted the ASEAN Summit, but more importantly, it marked a historic first: the official visit of a sitting U.S. President, Barack Obama.
To understand the weight of this moment, one must look back at the scars of the past. During the Vietnam War, Laos became the most heavily bombed country in history—even more so than Vietnam itself.
The legacy of that conflict remains buried in the soil; it is said that clearing all the unexploded ordnance (UXO) still scattered across the land will take another 200 years.
Standing in a country with such a deep and painful history, the arrival of a U.S. President brought a tension and expectation that is difficult to put into words. It was a moment where the past met a hopeful future.
As a “Japanese Whisky and Rum Expert” who values the “why” behind every bottle, this historical context is inseparable from the spirit of LAODI. My own philosophy of “Hitsuzen” (Inevitability) suggests that this turning point was a necessary part of the journey for both the nation and the distillery.
At Bar Little Happiness in Hiroshima, I often think about the resilience of the Laotian people and the vision of LAODI’s founders who work alongside them. When you sip a glass of LAODI at my counter, you are tasting more than just premium rum; you are experiencing the strength of a nation that continues to rise from its history.
In the quiet of our bar, surrounded by 1,000 bottles, let us raise a glass to peace, resilience, and the “inevitable” encounters that change the world.
↓Deep Dive into the Story: For those who wish to explore the full, detailed history and my personal reflections on this distillery, please visit our original column here (Japanese): (You can use the language switcher at the top of our site to translate the page into your preferred language.)↓
出逢いは必然。Rum&Whiskyの世界へようこそ。 (An encounter is inevitable. Welcome to the world of Rum & Whisky.)
Guest Information
• Multilingual Menu: Available in 8 languages
• Payment: All major credit cards accepted
• Cover Charge: No cover charge
• Atmosphere: Quiet / No smoking (Electronic cigarettes allowed) / Solo & Small groups welcome
Visit Us in Hiroshima
We welcome guests from all over the world with our 8-language menu and a massive collection of over 1,000 whiskies.
Explore our vast range of Japanese labels, featuring an unrivaled selection of local Hiroshima craft whiskies, alongside an extensive array of fine Scotches.
No matter where you are from, your “destined glass” is waiting.
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(Dive deep into the world of whisky and rum. This site can be translated into English or Korean using the language switcher tab at the top of the page.)
