Japanese whiskies are hot property in Europe these days, but for some reason few have yet to penetrate the US market. In the following reviews over the next two weeks, Dave Broom either gives you the heads up on what’s available or taunts you by talking about whiskies you can’t try. We prefer the former.
This oldie (from a distillery which closed in 2000) seems pretty straightforward compared to the Mizunara [see following review], but has less dried fruit than the sherry note on the label might suggest. Think dried peels rather than raisin, then stir in some freshly-polished floor. The aromas are saturated and heavy — almost as if they are drifting towards you on humid air. The palate shows light smoke and then a pleasant quinine bitterness mid-palate. This has the Japanese quality of laying flavors out very precisely on the tongue while also heightening their intensity. Water reduces the quinine effect, allowing the richness of the spirit to come through. Hanyu was a pretty big and firm (even rigid) whisky. Here that shell has cracked, allowing anise and blueberry to come through. – Dave Broom
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 91
Sounds awesome! There are very few Japanese whiskies available in the US & its very expensive to order from the UK. I’ve been very impressed by some I’ve tasted, especially those aged in Japanese oak. We can always hope more find their way to the US. Cheers.
You got that right, Bill.
I have been ordering from both TWE and Nickolls & Perks (mostly Karuizawa) and I do not think it is that expensive. Shipment cost to California is approximately $50 for two bottles and you do not pay VAT. It is usually cheaper than buying in the US
Just came through Narita d-f last week and was hoping to find some gems to bring back. With the Yen/$ exchange hitting an all-time high, the sticker shock was a bit much. They had a very nice tasting bar set up at the FaSoLa d-f store and I tried all of the Japanese whisky there on offer. All the while, the very congenial woman behind the bar was hastily scribbling her marketing research notes.
My winner for QPR was the Yoichi 15yo. It had the best balance of flavor intensity and smooth drinkability by far. I guess I may be biased toward Nikka expressions as opposed to the Suntory ones I compared them against.
The 21yo Hibiki blend was being heavily promoted, but at the USD equivalent of nearly $200, I just thought it fell well short of the QPR mark. I tried various blends, singles and vatteds, but I wound up purchasing the Yoichi 15yo single. On my next Tokyo visit when I have more free time, a stop at the famous Liquors Hasagawa in Tokyo JR station is a no-fail.
George, could you please how Karuizawa was represented at the Duty Free and at liquor stores in Tokyo?
Michael, I’m pretty sure there were no Karuizawa bottlings at the duty free shop. I know for sure there were none on the tasting bar that day. The Narita duty-free deals only in fairly mainstream JW. I didn’t have any time to prospect in Tokyo this time around, but next trip I will work in some more free time.
Thank you, George.