Ben says
★★ Great Spirit “There’s always a nuance to Japanese drinks. This blended whisky is no different. Aromas of nettles, white apple, biscuit, burnt caramel and herbs lead onto a warming palate of spices (clove, star anise), tangy and pithy lemon, dessicated coconut and a bite of alcohol. Quite fiery when drunk neat, so needs a bit of water. Soft and sweetened over ice. However, really shines in a strong cocktail. I halved it with ginger ale and a drop of acacia honey.“
KEY POINTS
A blended Japanese whisky from three distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita. It is primarily made up of Hakashu single malt and Chita grain whisky. 43.0% abv.
Food Pairing
Whisky with a bite but lighter flavour profiles than heavily oaked styles go well with coconut-based curries or spicy stir fries.
Disclosure & Price
Gifted for Christmas. Retails at circa £32.00 in the UK.
Reviewed and tasted: 30 December 2022
About the Producer
Suntory is one of Japan’s leading distilleries and behind some of the whiskies that put Japan alongside Scotch for fine quality whisky. The story of Suntory begins with the Yamazaki Distillery in the Vale of Yamazaki near Kyoto founded in 1923 by Scotch loving entrepreneur Shinjiro Torii.
