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Review - IWAI Tradition Japanese Whisky

Mash bill consists of 75% malt & 25% corn which is a flip from the standard release and a blending of sherry, bourbon & wine casks probably wasn’t the best move. Definitely not worth the $60 as it doesn’t hold up to many other Japanese whiskys on the shelf hanging out in the same price range. Unless you are a Japanese whisky enthusiast we would steer you clear for sure.

 
 

Rating 2 Glasses

WSRating

Distillery: Mars Shinshu Distillery
Years Aged: NAS
Proof: 80
Local Price (USD): $59.99
Availability: Widespread

Tasting Notes

Color & Consistency: A copper penny that went through wash a few too many times. Slow and thin legs.
Nose: Musky and oakey nose, odd sweetness, hint of citrus.
Taste: Oak, tannins, sherry & moldy mushrooms.
Finish: Fades pretty quickly but the tannins stick to your tounge causing a funkiness that hangs on and just won’t let go.
Conclusion: Mash bill consists of 75% malt & 25% corn which is a flip from the standard release and a blending of sherry, bourbon & wine casks probably wasn’t the best move. Definitely not worth the $60 as it doesn’t hold up to many other Japanese whiskys on the shelf hanging out in the same price range. Unless you are a Japanese whisky enthusiast we would steer you clear for sure. Interesting that it is the highest elevation distillery in Japan in the mountain ranges of Nagano. For the many reasons stated previously we would most likely not buy it again and could only give it a two on the glass rating.

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Japanese Matt Japanese Matt

Review - Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky

Definitely no Yamazaki 12 but a good solid whisky nonetheless

Rating 4 Glasses

Rating

 

Tasting Notes

  • Color & Consistency: Golden Hay, This is a whisky that skipped leg day one too many times
  • Nose: Das fruity ya! Medicinal, little bit of toffee, floral
    • Taste: Sweet, smooth with a bite of youth
    • Finish: Short sweet and to the point

Conclusion: Tastes and feels exactly like you would expect a Japanese whisky to taste and feel. It's much more about the liquid itself than where the liquid came from and being grain forward with only a hint of the barrel there is not a lot of heat but its still very drinkable. Definitely no Yamazaki 12 but a good solid whisky nonetheless. For what is available in this price range we would spend the $10-20 more for a Suntory and call it a day.

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Review - Hibiki Suntory Japanese Harmony

"Good but for the money hold off for Hibiki 12"

Photo Credit: Matt

Rating 3 Glasses

Rating

  • Distillery: Suntory
    • Years Aged: 10
  • Proof: 86
    • Price (USD): $ 64.99
  • Availability: Widespread
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  • Tasting Notes:

  • Color & Consistency: Pale honey, thin with long legs
  • Nose: Medicinal, floral, vanilla, hint of caramel and honey
    • Taste: Delicious. Alcohol is right up in front and gets oaky and sweet
  • Finish: Oaky and floral with a touch of smoke
  • Conclusion: Not our favorite dram. Good but for the money hold off for Hibiki 12.
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