Suntory Toki

Fruity and slightly peaty. Very good especially for the price

First taste of anything Japanese alcohol (except for some Sake back in the day). Nosing for me always brings difficulty. I do get a something that might be marshmallow, slight marzipan, etc. along with the green fruit of apples, pears and light citrus. On the tongue it is all lightly malted sweet candy with no discernible burn. Finish is medium but the sweetness remains. For the price this is such easy sipping. I'm sure the higher priced Yamazaki, Oishi offerings here in PA are worth the money. But for easy sippin' this is hard to beat. I'm a full two fingers into this 750ml and it is difficult to believe this is 86 proof. Feels more like 80 ... but it may have delayed hit due to it's light mouthfeel and thin weight, despite respectable legs in the Glencairn. I put this in the same class as the Knappogue Castle 12 year in terms of cost, overall value and taste but I prefer the Irish for a few dollars more. PA $40 but on sale at $36.

Clear, medium lemon; clean, light intensity, cereal, red apple skin, jasmine, thyme, char, short aged; dry, smooth, medium body, medium intensity, Corn Pops, sweet hay, baked apple, long finish, some complexity; good quality