Tastes

My first review because I wanted to see one here before I threw the cash down: Fresh off Whiskey Advocate's 96 point score, I decided this 16 year old Japanese whisky was worth the gamble. The nose offers earthy, umami, and sherry vibes. The palate is quite a journey. Chocolate, umami, oak, stewed pears, and a tannic sherry take you for an elegant ride that hit all the taste receptors as it goes down. Sherry finishes can be cloying or overpowering, but this one hits the sweet spot. It tastes like an expensive blend that comes together harmoniously, but..... An unusual sour note of the koji (pear) brings a subtle reminder of sake (koji-fermented 100% barley), and for some it's going to be a deal-breaker. Granted, I wanted a different type of whiskey, and Hakata may be the stately prince of you-haven't-tried-this! I can see the high scores from critics, but I know some will not like it. So is it worth it? Tough call. I compared it to the sherried Glendronach CS, and the Glendronach was better, brighter, and more instantly pleasing. But this is for collectors who want something unlike anything they have, something more mystifying, and from that standpoint it succeeds. I don't regret it, and I look forward to how it might change on future sips (I'll update if it gets better or worse).