Review #028 Type: blended Japanese whisky Proof: 43% Comments: NAS, American and Spanish oak maturation Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Pale straw color. Was Unable to look for legs due to an apparent water-repellent coating on the glass I was tasting with. Nose: 14/20 Predominantly green apples, also pears, walnuts, and subtle hints of flowers and honeysuckle. Palate: 31/40 Very delicate, almost oily. Apples, graham crackers, lemon zest, and vanilla. The flavors are well balanced but not remarkable. What little ethanol flavor there is here is very bright and mild. Finish: 28/40 Short but still enjoyable. I get the briefest hints of bananas, pancakes, and marshmallows, ending with oak tannins. With Water: A drop of water seems to give it a more oily mouth feel and brings out a bit of clove spices in the finish. Total: 73/100 Final thoughts: Great whisky for the price, just not the type of bottle I’d typically reach for. I think someone looking to get their feet wet with whisky might find a bottle of this to be a good start just because of how smooth and easy to drink it is. I’ve got enough friends who fit that profile that I generally keep one on hand. It’s proven to be my go-to for occasions that call for drinking as opposed to tasting and appreciating. Price: $35 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.