Japanese whisky tasting evening, Sydney 28 March 18, Whisky #5. Nose: Sweet fragrant cereals, honeyed citrus fruits, vanilla, a light but solid oaky presence. Palate: Super silky and sweet arrival - like liquid velvet flavoured with orchard fruits in natural juices. The development brings a strong, muscular cereal presence which is almost malty and nutty. Creamy and rich overall. A voluptuous rum-like mouth-feel that is almost but not quite too syrupy. Finish: Short. Sweet and easy, with a tiny touch of spice but no intrusive bitterness or sour notes. This is very much an exercise in modulating sweetness and texture, however it's not a thick, heavy sweetness like some rum can exhibit. Others at the tasting commented that it was like a bourbon, but I didn't get that at all. It may be made from corn, but this is much more like whisky than whiskey. It reminded me of Cameron Brig (which I enjoy) but is better, and it also reminded me just a bit of Irish grain whiskey. I'd certainly buy this, and would have done so after the tasting except I was too slow and it was all gone by the time I got to the counter. Water adds little to the experience, and cuts the silkiness of the texture. Take it neat for the full luxury event. The only downside is the price, because like any single or blended grain this is up against Compass Box Hedonism which is equivalent (and arguably better) at a lower price. Still, if you like Hedonism or grain whisky in general I'd definitely recommend this as a change from your usual drams. It's worth the extra expense for the experience. The official review here is right on the money but I wouldn't rate this whisky quite as highly as the official score of 91. "Good" : 84/100 (3.75 stars)