I had a sample of this after a business dinner this past week. Maybe I've been spoiled by the Hakushu 12, which I absolutely loved. That had this green forest pine aroma, with a grassy peaty combination. I was hoping for the same in this, I guess, naively. It's got the 12 year old's herb-y fresh palette, but really muted. As if it was diluted, or simply too young. It's good...but, really no where as close as the 12. I sort of relate this to the Hibiki Harmony vs Hibiki 12...the Harmony is good, but it's a shadow compared to the 12. Pass this up...save up for the Hakushu 12. Well worth the extra bucks.