A visit to Japan

Initially made to replicate Scottish whisky with exacting Japanese standards, local flavour and influence have added depth and distinction.

The Yamazaki Distillers Reserve no age (43%abv)

From the first distillery in Japan this whisky is elegant and well crafted, reflecting these elements of Japanese culture. The nose is light with soft fruit and a hint of ash. A long soft palate tastes lightly of licorice and coconut along a backbone of caramel. The finish was short with spices but a pleasant warming sensation lingers.

Score: 6.6

The Hakushu Distillers Reserve no age (43%abv)

The 2nd in this series, the distiller has looked to accentuate the green notes of this whisky given its forested surrounds. The nose is fresh, grassy and minty. The palate is clean and crisp with no caramel but still luxurious with white peach and and citrus, slight smokiness to finish.

Score: 6.8

Nikka Whisky From the Barrel no age (51.4%abv)

Burnt bamboo and sweet maltiness on the nose (maybe a hint of wood polish with the high alcohol content). The palate has a warm nuttiness with spice and a hint of cocoa to finish. Water did help to decern  different flavours but dulled the overall impact. It is said by someone that,

“it is able to cure all ills, including tooth ache and man flu”.

Score: 7.6