Nose: Grassy and mildly earthy with a lot of citrus notes - lemon zest, orange concentrate, grapefruit - citrus that is bright and zesty rather than sweet, and a little pineapple. A leathery honeyed note creeps in at the sides to keep things interesting. The nose gains complexity and breadth as it opens and when first poured the ethanol is a bit punchy so allow a few minutes for it to develop. A dash of water enhances the nose by bringing out floral notes (lilies, jonquils, honeysuckle). Most elegant and enjoyable. Palate: Lovely easy arrival. Sweet, rounded, honeyed cereal flavours, almonds and warm spices. Very friendly and there is a pleasant puff of smoke on the palate that emerges a few seconds after the arrival. A little beeswax and vanilla with some berry and sweet white grape notes on the palate. In the late development and finish a distinct milk chocolate flavour is apparent. The texture is excellent and has a creamy density that is very satisfying. Adding a drop of water softens and sweetens the palate. Finish: Medium/short. Leathery sweet-malt taste with some musky floral and charcoal-like smoke on the aftertaste. There's a handsome, sweaty farmyard quality to this whisky that is very enjoyable. It's a little like a polite and graceful Japanese version of Ben Nevis or Hazelburn. Adding water is not necessary at all as this is very nice neat, however neither does it do any harm but simply sweetens and lightens the profile. Tasted from a 30ml sample from a friend (thank you Wei). I'm considering adding a bottle to my next whisky order. "Very Good" : 85/100 (4 stars)