Kurayoshi 8 Year Pure Malt Sherry Cask

This has a more aged smell than the Suntory Toki does, but it has less to it and it's less appealing. There's a bit of fruit on the nose, including some tart apricot. The alcohol does come through on the nose. It smells perfectly fine. The palate is fairly smooth I guess but there definitely is some youthful harshness to it. It tastes like a whiskey for sure, but it tastes on the young side. It's fruity, but the flavors aren't exceptional at all. First impression: although it's richer, the Suntory Toki has somewhat better execution. There isn't a whole lot to the flavor and the alcohol is too pronounced. There's that annoying Irish bitterness in here too. It's drinkable, but it really isn't all that enjoyable. The aftertaste is bitter too. Given the flavor, I was surprised to discover that this is a malt whiskey. I like the richness, but the undertone is not very good. Really, I'd drink this if I had to, but it isn't very good. That bit of sweetness is worth something, but it isn't enough. Sadly, this just gets worse and worse. There isn't much to recommend it.

I tried it again against my other Japanese and Kavalan sherried whiskies and it's easily my least favorite. I'm just gonna use this bottle for mixed drinks where the sherry will be masked.

Let sit for about a minute. 👀 Pure pale Golden goodness, semi-robust legs; 👃 Very sweet like smelling a fruit basket, Vanilla, hint of smoke; 👅 Pure SWEETNESS, lots of fresh fruit, oily; 🏁 Lingers on with sweetness, beautiful finish, typical Japanese whisky.

Sweet vanilla on the nose with noticeable alcohol. The taste has wood notes with a heavier alcohol amoretto taste. The finish is mild and spicy. Not bad, but not memorable.