Japanese Whisky's are always a treat. When you can get your hands on a rare or tough to find sample, sit back and enjoy. @PBMichiganWolverine , thanks for providing the group with some great and tough to find spirits. Slowly take in on the nose, and the aromas of apricots, oranges, rosted nuts comes through while, oddly enough, rubbing alcohol. As the alcohol fumes dissapate, a host off additional aromas of plumbs, cocoa powder/bakers chocolate pull through. Slight sherry notes are in there, but, for me, not so obvious. Slowly take it onto the palate and the fluid is dense and oily. Earthy and mineral is the base of this dram. Celery is tucked in the back, but it's there. From there, a potpourri of disparate flavors swirl on the tongue. Oranges, cedar, black pepper. Vanilla and honey comes in for a glimpse as it fades to the finish. A long finish that has some orange bitters. The palate remains with cedar, ginger and is slightly salty. Deep and soul warming. Water dampens the sharpness, softening the intensity but mutes the robustness. This preferrable without water or maybe just a drop or two. The sharpenss and bitterness, for me, diminished the full enjoyment. It lacks a sweeter counter balance to the sharp spiciness, which would make this an exceptional dram. This may sound harsh(er) considering it's a great whisky. However, I am only pointing out the one small area where I found lacking that would take this to greatness. Give it a good lengthog time to open and you will be greatly rewarded. [88/100][Tasted: 11/3/17]