japan

Chichibu The First 2008/2011

April 16, 2013
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The maturity of this barely legal whisky is amazing. Don’t hesitate to add water, it swims well. – Rating: 85/100

Karuizawa 29 yo 1983/2012 for LMDW

April 3, 2013
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Maybe the smokiest Karuizawa I have tasted so far, wonderfully stripped down to basics by the bourbon cask. Just the finish is a bit short. – Rating: 88/100

Karuizawa 48 yo 1964 for Wealth Solutions Poland

February 14, 2013
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This is a truly great whisky and not really what you would expect from a heavily sherried malt. Over the decades, wood spice and sherry fruit have blended into something unique here. My tasting notes just scratch the surface. – Rating: 94/100

Nikka “White” Pure Malt

February 12, 2013
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The vatting of Japanese and Islay malts creates a very delicate and slightly fragrant whisky with a nice driness. – Rating: 83/100

Yoichi 15 yo

February 6, 2013
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The rich mixed fruit aromas blend very well with the light smoke, the whisky is quite dry but not too woody. – Rating: 85/100

Nikka Super

February 6, 2013
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A well balanced blend with some nice flavours. The finish is a bit weak, though. – Rating: 79/100

Karuizawa 1984/2012 Number One Drinks

January 5, 2013
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‘Elixir’ would probably best describe this thick concoction. There is a great richness of ‘dark’ flavours, the vinegar notes are a bit too strong for a 90 rating. – Rating: 88/100

Yoichi 23 yo 1989/2012 for LMDW

January 1, 2013
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One of those flavour compositions that only the Japanese can create with boldness and delicacy in perfect balance. – Rating: 89/100

Karuizawa ‘Noh’ 28 yo 1983/2012

December 21, 2012
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One of those fantastic old Karuizawas that despite being sherry monsters show an amazing density of ‘secondary’ flavours and where everything is perfectly balanced.. – Rating: 90/100

Karuizawa Spirit of Asama

November 16, 2012
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A vatting of about 70 casks bottled at two different strengths. Rating: 48%: 86/100 – 55%: 88/100

Karuizawa 1982/2012 The Whisky Exchange

October 27, 2012
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A fascinating mix of spice and fruit in this slightly unusual bourbon cask Karuizawa, the wood is always present but does not overwhelm the other flavours. – Rating: 89/100

Isawa Vintage 1983

October 20, 2012
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A whisky with very strange flavours that may well represent the nadir of Japanese whisky making. – Rating: 45/100

Nikka All Malt

September 19, 2012
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This Japanese dram may have an unusual pedigree but is impossible to discern from a fruity Scotch. The mouthfeel is creamy but rather light bodied and the flavours are well balanced. – Rating: 85/100

Karuizawa 1981/2011 Number One Drinks

June 8, 2012

This could be a quite remarkable whisky, if the weakish finish did not drag it down. – Rating: 84/100

Hakushu Heavily Peated

June 6, 2012
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A fantastic combination of heavy peat and a light body. Joyfully bouncing fruit on a waft of peat smoke. – Rating: 88/100

Hakushu 1998/2011 Whisky Shop W 1st Anniversary

June 5, 2012

This whisky is extremely shy to reveal its flavours, everything is very mild and subtle. This is the perfect dram for you, if you like hunting down aromas. – Rating: 84/100

Hakushu 12 yo

June 5, 2012
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Again the Japanese prove their talent to create perfectly balanced malts with delicate yet impressive flavours. The gentle smokiness adds an intriguing dimension. – Rating: 87/100

Yamazaki Mizunara

June 3, 2012

Nicely sweet, fruity and slightly floral, a fine dram with a strong attack on the palate but rather shy towards the end. – Rating: 84/100

Yamazaki Sherry Cask

June 3, 2012

This sherry bomb has got quite some wood influence, but the strong flavours support it. – Rating: 87/100

Yamazaki Bourbon Barrel

May 22, 2012
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A thoroughly enjoyable Japanese whisky with a very good balance of flavours, both complex and approachable at the same time. – Rating: 86/100

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