A complete different level from the 12... sweeter and deeper with taste and aroma. I had this side by side with the Hakushu 12 and I neglected the 12 LOL. Made it seem like child’s play. Nose: as soon as you open and pour, you can smell the sweet beautiful honey dew melon, caramel green apple aroma - fills the room! Taste: Candied citrus hits your tongue. The melon and green apple continues with less burn than the 12 - not alcohol burn but barrel burn. Finish: honey coating sticks around in your mouth. Had me smacking my tongue and mouth for a minute. Has a sweet aftertaste of tobacco - kind of like after you smoke a real good cigar but not ash, a honeyed refreshing smoke.