Tastes

[NOSE] 7up like lemon-lime aroma, orange peel, kiwi, hints of caramel, honey, floral essential oil. [PALATE] Instant fruity arrival: apple, orange, pineapple, mango, grape; give ways to honey, caramel, and vanilla extract. Light hints of peat in the background. [FINISH] Mild spiciness in which fruity tone continues, followed by soft peat smoke back-to-the-nose. Medium body, short lasting. [COMMENT] This Japanese whisky reminds me of Speyside Scotch: fruity, gentle, and easy drinking. The addition of lightly-peated character is welcoming, making this whisky quite unique. Overall very enjoyable. (89/100)

[NOSE] Instant arrival of charred-oak, which blends well with signature Bourbon-gluey scent. Caramelized brown surger in the background, with a nice touch of saltiness. [PALATE] At 47% ETOH level, this Burbon has ton of bites; quickly followed by toffee, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, tobacco and oaky bitterness. [FINISH] Carries over from the palate, heavy-duty cask influences, later comes an addition of sour profile: prune, dark raisin, grape skin. Fairly long lasting. [COMMENT] A big boy’s Bourbon: full body, classy flavorings, kicks hard. (86/100)

[NOSE] Fondue chocolate, toffee, almond powder, Bourbon rubber-gluey scent with integrated metallic hints. [PALATE] Immediate arrival of Espresso - bold and intense, quickly followed by caramel-vanilla flavored grain cracker. Flash hints of bourbon-like oakiness that eventually give ways to prune, raisin and orange peel. [FINISH] Mixed spices: Anise, cinnamon, clove, with a touch of black paper. Concludes with mid-long lasting hints of grain tannin. [COMMENT] A Japanese whisky with outstanding palate! Bears Bourbon characters but truly unique in its own right. Definitely a rewarding spirit that worth spending time exploring. (90/100)

[NOSE] Brown sugar, Honey-flavored smoke, sea-saltiness, hints of vanilla & fruity tones. [PALATE] toffee sweetness, some pineapple, with later arrival of quality peat, wok fry and touch of iodine. [FINISH] good kicks of smoky peatiness, followed by notes of savory/marinated BBQ, quite long lasting flavors. [COMMENT] Classy, a great casual peated spirit; this is a good starter for someone who wants to explore smoky/peated Scotch whisky. (90/100)

[NOSE] Tropical fruits: pear, pineapple, mango, passion fruit. Some honey and toffee notes in the background. [PALATE] Initial tastes of toffee & butterscotch, which give ways to malted grain. [FINISH] Smooth but plain. Artificial mixed-fruits-flavored essential oil. Butterscotch. Mild spice that ends with grain tannin. [COMMENT] Fruity nose that impresses, but falls short on further development of palate & finish. Easy drinking & casual. Resembles Glenfiddich 12-years-old.

[NOSE] Sweet & Sour profile: raisin, prune, black berry, cotton candy. Notes of fresh oak, tobacco and toffee in the background. [PALATE] Moderate heat, prominent prune flavoring, give ways to cola, vanilla, tangy BBQ sauce. [FINISH] Sweet and sour profile continues, followed by hints of clove and butterscotch; concludes with a nice touch of back-to-nose spiciness and mixed-grain tannin. [COMMENT] Flavorful; a tasty Bourbon that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime, and with anyone. (89/100)

[NOSE] toffee, corn, rye, mint-spicy, subtle oakyness & Bourbon-gluey-tang in the background. [PALATE] immediate arrival of sweet profile: toffee, honey, hint of milk chocolate. Followed by some fruity tones, which quickly gives ways to clove and cinnamon. [FINISH] the sweetness from the palate continues, then comes rye-tannin and classic gluey scent; eventually closes up with a lovely spiciness back to the nose. Moderate long lasting. [COMMENT] Overall a sweeter high-rye-recipe Bourbon. Smooth and approachable, worth every penny. (88/100)

[NOSE] Peaty, smoky, classy iodine, fresh raw oyster, ocean breeze, notes of honey and dark chocolate. [PALATE] Initial impression of caramel & toffee, which quickly give ways to sea salt, black pepper, smoked bacon, charcoal BBQ. [FINISH] Wonderful bursts of sweetened peatiness, followed by finely integrated aged-leather, iodine, cloves, cinnamon; long lasting notes of cigar and espresso at the end. [COMMENT] A full-bodied Scotch with a signature peaty profile; intense, warm and smoky. Complex yet balanced, powerful yet smooth. Definitely one that worth collecting. (97/100)

[NOSE] Crisp, fresh and gentle. With notes of honey, green tea, 7up, sweet ginger. [PALATE] An initial spiciness is quickly followed by bursts of fruity and sweet profiles: vanilla, maple syrup, cream, mango, apple, tangerine. [FINISH] Long lasting sweetness with notable honey and toffee tones. Then closes up with a blend of vanilla, spices and toasty oaks. [COMMENT] A delicious whiskey with great complexities; very flavorful and yet easy to appreciate. An excellent example of fine whiskies! (90/100)

[NOSE] Fresh pear, citrus, honey, hints of toffee. [PALATE] Initial sweetness representing honey, mango, and apple. Prominent tones of oaky bitterness down the throat. [FINISH] Tropical, floral, gentle spiciness, long lasting notes of oak and bitterness. [COMMENT] A classy scotch, refreshing nose, good rounded initial palate, but fall short on dominant bitterness finish.