The Kurayoshi 18 Year Old Pure Malt Japanese Whisky
Jim Murray's Japanese Whisky of the Year for 2022. The small-scale craft (or Ji) whiskies from Kurayoshi have been impressive. Blenders here often combine malt whisky from Scotland with locally produced whisky. This is not an uncommon practice in Japan, and the exact breakdown typically remains undisclosed. There have been several strong reviews for the 18 YO (see below). One can't help noticing the similarity in packaging to Suntory's Yamazaki 18...
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky
The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery founded in 1923 by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii. Yamazaki is not only the soul place of Suntory Whisky but the birthplace of Japanese Whisky. Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, it is said that Torii selected the land of Yamazaki at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for its high-quality water source and natural environment ideal for whisky making. <br> <br> Yamazaki was born from the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas, Yamazaki whiskies are complex and deep. Made at Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. The House of Suntory honors the birthplace of Japanese whisky, capturing and celebrating the pioneering roots of one of the world’s greatest whiskies from the place Shinjiro Torii chose to begin the illustrious journey of Japanese whisky. Fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has returned to the roots of what made Yamazaki Single Malt quintessentially Yamazaki: deep, complex and multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara notes. <br> <br> The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky 12 Years Old is pure gold in color. The nose hints scents of peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove, candied orange, vanilla, and Mizunara (Japanese Oak). On the palate is coconut, cranberry and butter. This whiskey has a beautiful finish of sweet ginger, and cinnamon.
Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select Japanese Whisky
Suntory Whisky was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii. For over three generations, Suntory's master blenders have devoted themselves to pursuing the harmony of Japanese nature and craftsmanship. Shaped through masterful technique and served with a reverence for Japanese omotenashi, Suntory whiskies are among the most awarded and admired in the world. Hibiki is the paragon of harmony - launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntory's philosophy of living in harmony with people and nature. The name Hibiki means "resonance" in Japanese. Suntory Whisky Hibiki resonates with the subtleties of nature infused by the twenty-four seasons of Japan's traditional calendar and reflected in the twenty-four facets of its bottle's design. Hibiki is a noble blend of innumerous malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's globally acclaimed Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. These whiskies are meticulously blended to created a sense of "wa" - a oneness which unveils a full orchestra of flavours and aroma. Hibiki is embraced as an icon of Japanese luxury from the award winning House of Suntory Whisky. Tasting Notes Colour - Amber Nose - Plum in syrup, roses, a sweet woodiness Palate - Orange marmalade, dark chocolate, a slight bitterness Finish - Lingering sweetness and acidity, spices and wood
Ichiro's Malt MWR Mizunara Wood Reserve Pure Malt Japanese Whisky
Ichiro's Malt MWR Mizunara Wood Reserve Pure Malt Japanese Whisky was crafted by Ichiro Akuto and bottles in 2010. It is a vatting of various single malt whiskys previously aged in Japanese Mizunara oak. The nose is toasty and honeyed, light citrus and sweet, with hints of sugar in a bowl and grapefruit. The palate is fruity, tangy, rich, and spicy with hints of toffee apples and honey. The finish is abrupt but very spicy and very sweet.
Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 100th Anniversary Edition
The Hakushu Distillery was founded half a century after Yamazaki. Keizo Saji, the second Master Blender, inherited his father’s quest to push the boundaries of what a Japanese whisky could be. He had searched all over Japan for high quality water that would produce the most delicately aromatic whisky. After searching with tenacity to the headstreams of rivers and deep into rugged mountains, he found Hakushu. The Hakushu Distillery is one of the highest distilleries in the world, built amidst the deepest forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. The majestic forest that surrounds the Hakushu Distillery shelters an abundance of plant varieties reflecting the many expressions of Japanese nature. The malt whiskies born here are simultaneously blessed with a very particular microclimate, verdant forests, and water offering a rare softness only made possible by filtration of rain and snow through thousand-year-old granite rocks. Straight from the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a "green and crisp" whisky. Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master blender, the unique taste made in distinct four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. The Hakushu range of whiskies, with their crisp and vibrant feel, each one unique in a single malt whisky, will enliven your palate and liberate your senses. The 100th Anniversary Limited Edition of the Hakushu 12 Single Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 12 years in various casks, created in honor of Suntory Whisky's centenary. Nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, The Hakushu Distillery draws on its unique natural surroundings. Champagne gold in colour with a herbaceous nose of basil, pine needle, green apple and pears. Flavours of ripe sweet ripe pear, mint and kiwi and a finish of green tea and subtle smoke
Akkeshi Taisho Blended Japanese Whisky ( Bottling)
Akkeshi began distilling in 2016, based in the Akkeshi District of Hokkaido, the concept of distilling and maturing single malt in Japan’s northern wilderness traces back to the very first plans of Masataka Taketsuru, a pioneer of the country’s early whisky production. Taisho is the 12th of the 24 Japanese solar terms. The hottest period of the year, this is a celebratory time with many festivals and fireworks. The indigo label is inspired by yukata, the light summer kimono worn during the warmer months. As always, the exact production details are difficult to pin down, but the key malt is 100% from Hokkaido aged in a variety of casks including Mizunara and Bourbon, alongside imported grain purchased as new make and aged completely in-house (nine separate components contributed to the blend) This is signature Akkeshi, with fresh yet savoury/saline peatiness positioned at the forefront. A hot-blooded blend, this changes constantly in the glass and is best without water. Secondary notes of spun sugar and tropical fruit are joined by deep citrus, burnt sage and green almond notes in the mouth. It finishes spicy, salty and long.
Tomintoul 21 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Tomintoul 21YO, rated 94 in Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2019, a superstar whisky.
Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
This wonderful peated Japanese single malt whisky hails from Hakushu distillery, owned by Suntory. The distillery resides in the forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake, with the original Hakushu distillery built in 1973. Rather fittingly, it boasts a fresh and foresty flavour profile. On the nose you’ll find toasted barley, chopped almonds and a little bit of barrel char. Hints of milk chocolate and dried grass bring sweetness. Much more fruit on the palate, but it's by no means a sweet whisky. Still rich, herbaceous and grassy, with a waft of smoke along the way. Nice expression here.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
This exclusive Glenfiddich expression has been matured for 23 years in American and European oak casks and elegantly finished in rare French cuvee casks. The finest flavours from Scotland and France have been fused together through the art of experimentation, to redefine moments of celebration and create a new and extraordinary drinking experience.
Balvenie Port Wood 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
To create The Balvenie PortWood 21 year old single malt whisky, a marriage of rare Balvenie is transferred to port casks, or pipes, which have held fine port wines. Here it is sampled regularly by The Balvenie Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE to ensure that just the right amount of character is imparted by the port casks, enhancing and developing the single malt whilst preserving its original characteristics. Considered by many to be David’s finest creation, this whisky is one of his proudest achievements and has won an array of highly coveted industry awards since its release in 1996. A perfume of fruity and ripe raisin notes is backed by a nuttiness on the nose. The palate is refined with remarkable character, it is creamy and silky with fruit, honey and spice notes and a long, gentle nutty finish.