Shibui Grain Select

The expectations I’ve placed on Japanese whisky are unreasonably high. This is a truth i am forced to reconcile with and this whisky, while not the sole catalyst is the one that forced me to face the mirror. So while grappling with this I can only say that this was a disappointment but maybe it shouldnt have been. What i mean is for the price point and description it is pretty straightforward and delivers what it promises, which is not much. Its got a hint of buttery toffee and honey and perhaps if i am being generous i can add coconut to that paltry list but thats about it. Upfront is fine, delicate bordering on thin, the finish is weird and its only saving grace is the hint of that interesting mazunara woody aftertaste. That being said its not bad and it is probably quite pleasant and probably makea for a decent cocktail. I took it neat. Not the worst Japanese whisky I have tried but far from the best. It seems like a combination of byproducts cobbled together to make something palatable and saleable. Thats not always a bad thing but its not the most exciting either. That being said it is not priced unreasonably and the labeling and description is honest so you will get what you pay for and what is advertised. As long as you do not trust a hope for more you will not be disappointed. Would that I had acted accordingly I wouldnt feel the slight letdown I am currently experiencing. This is of no fault to the distiller but perhaps a result of my own interpretation of the Japanese whisky hype machine.

So far, with Japanese grain whiskys, there’s this tendency to make them taste really light and sake-like, and this is no exception. Basically just grain alcohol with some whisky added for color, it really has some fermented notes and weird, musty odors on the exhale.

Smells fairly alcohilic with some caramel and fruity notes. There is rice and buttery caramel on the taste. There is also a little bit of oaky spice. It is touch hot, and has a light mouthfeel. The finnish is short and spicy. 75/100