From the Hakushu distillery in the foothills of Mount Kaikomagatake comes their Distiller's Reserve single malt whisky, a no-age-statement expression, that captures the smoky, herbaceous characteristics of their whiskies. Both lightly-peated and heavily-peated malts were used for this complex and deeply enjoyable whisky from Suntory.
The herbs are very up front with this one. Peppermint, pine and pleasant grassy notes. Cucumber and melon round out the nose.
All the notes on the nose swim effortlessly through the palate, the mint developing sweeter notes as it goes on. Citrus zest also pops in to say hello.
A waft of smoke appears during the long finish.
This shall make a fantastic Highball. Oh yes it shall.
This great Japanese single malt is full of all things green on both the nose and palate. Green fruits, herbs, mint, melon and cucumber abound. The nose is a delightful green medley of more things than I can easily discern. It's utterly mouthwatering on the tongue and any smoke is very light and not easy to detect. Not cheap by any means but a great entry level Japanese single malt. Highly recommended.
The chill from the Japanese alps, a shy taste of smoke. Great!
This whisky is light, smooth, and mellow, with all the attributes of a Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or (honey/lemon) on the palate, but with a subtle smokey finish. Delightful!
...with some delicate and very unusual fruit flavours that you just don't find in a Scotch malt coming through at the end, possibly as a result of the Mizunara oak. And whilst it's not exactly Ardbeg, if the reviewer below can't detect the peat (or the fruit, for that matter) he needs his tastebuds examined, and if anyone thinks this is too sweet I can only guess that they've never tasted a Speyside or sherried whisky before. I'm guessing restraint and subtlety just aren't his things.
Nearing the end of the bottle (shows how easy it is to drink) but I wont buy again. ZERO green notes, citrus/ cucumber etc, ZERO Peat. What there is in abundance is coconut ice, maple syrup fudge, golden syrup - its just too sugary for me. Says it all when M.O.M conclude their tasteing notes suggesting it would make a greta highball.
