Fukano Vault Reserve 2

A complex, Blended Japanese Whisky by Fukano Distillery in Hitayoshi, Kyushu, Japan made with rice in a stainless steel still, blended, aged in casks from 3 to 11 years & vatted to rest for up to 16 years. Delivered at 40.4% ABV in 3,850 beer-shaped bottles. It has a floral birth with notes of jasmine, flamed zest, almond & orange blossom honey; while a thin & complex life adds notes of Sherry, caramel & butterscotch; that leads to a bold death with notes of flan, vanilla & orange. April 2021 / August 2022

Sweet, peppery, not unlike an Irish

Subtle vanilla and butterscotch on the nose. Palate is brown sugar forward with hint of orange peel. Spice and barrel comes through on the finish. As a fan of bourbon, this is my favorite from Fukano.

Normally not a huge fan of Japanese Whiskey. It is generally a bit thin and more scotch-like for my liking. A friend gave me a sample with the encouragement that it was a bit sweeter and closer to a high rye bourbon. Nose- smells like a floral garden drizzled in vanilla. I get gardinia, and a bit of sweetpea. Palate- vanilla is dominant. I get honeysuckle flower and a bit of black tea. I would also say a bit more "bourbony" and cornflake taste. There is a bitterness and fresh wood that I get towards the end. This is something I get in most Japanese whiskey to which I am not a fan. Finish- medium finish for something under 100 proof. It is warming and has a sweet/sour thing going on. Overall- It didn't convert me or revolt me. It is just ok. That said I don't have many Japanese whiskies to measure it against.

Really smooth. Tasty.