Suntory Toki

Fruity…apples and cinnamon.

I'm not much of a scotch drinker but this whiskey definitely channels some scotch energy for me. Not bad but just not my preference. Tried it neat as I usually do, but ended up trying it with some sour mix as well. Tasted best on the rocks with no mixer but the whiskey sour wasn't bad either.

Toki uses whiskies from Suntorys 3 distilleries Yamazaki Hakushu and Chita. This particular bottle focuses more on Hakushu and Chita but it truly is mostly Chita. Nose: Hot and definitely young but banana, green tea and apples hit me at first. A distant graham cracker and maraschino cherry was also there. The palate was very oily as expected from the column stills/grains used by Chita but the finish is surprisingly good and way better than the bright nose. I got Marshmello and honey on the finish. Update 1 month later: It’s mellowed out a lot and gotten even sweeter on the finish. It’s actually a great dram for 30 bucks. 85/100

The Suntory Toki is a whisky I appreciate for its gentle yet complex nature at a rather reasonable price point. From a very renowned distiller of Japanese whisky, the Toki offers a balance of sweet, savoury, and umami flavours that bring me back to my childhood where I was brought up on Asian-influenced desserts and teas (if you know, you know, right?). Ever walk down an International food aisle in your local supermarket, approach the drink section and asked yourself, "I wonder how this drink tastes"? Well, without having to buy yourself a 6-pack, this whisky has you covered. This easy-drinker requires some time to air itself out, but you won't be disappointed with the layers of fruit, honeyed-sweetness, mild spice, and tea leaves it reveals. I wouldn't compare it to a Hibiki 12-Year or the Japanese Harmony, but if you had it next to a whisky like the Akashi White Oak, the results are like night and day. When you want to just sit back, relax, and have something neat and easy, I would recommend the Suntory Toki. NOSE: Plum, dates, tapioca, sea salt PALATE: Honey, chrysanthemum, cereal grain, light smoke FINISH: Green tea, nutmeg, sea salt, seaweed, umami, honey Rating: 84/100 Grade: B Good – not a “must”, but a nice-to-have.