Japanese Blended Whisky Thread

[Islay Peat]

Been wanting to start a thread on Japanese whisky for a while now and finally decided to just post a couple pictures to get things started.

This thread is for the blends, which includes the WWA 2012 winner Taketsuru 17, in addition to the rest of the Taketsuru lineup, 12, 17 non-chill filtered, 21, 25 and the already sold out 35.

Another great Japanese blend comes with the Hibiki lineup, of which I'm a big fan of the 12, although the 17 is good too.

Here's just a starter pic, that unfortunately has some single malts in it too, but I'll change that as soon as possible.

[valuetl]

Currently finishing up a bottle of Taketsuru 21 yr. Seriously legendary stuff. Hope to find another bottle locally to restock it.

[Islay Peat]

Got a small bottle of the Taketsuru 21 for my friends birthday - we both like them all, but I prefer the 17, he likes the 21 and 35.

[gunnermcgee]

I just saw Hibiki 12 in a local shop, the first time I've ever seen it. How would you describe the flavor, is there anything you can compare it to? I think it was $57, I may give it a go...

[Islay Peat]

That's a good price and I can tell you that when I tried it and the 17, my preference went with the 12 - less money, better for my palate, what's not to like?

A friend bought a bottle of Hibiki 17 while in Japan and when I told him I liked the 12 better, he got a bottle of it to bring back with him. Got a message from a mutual friend who he shared it with and he said it's his new hands-down favorite of any whisky he's ever had.

I'm not good with the descriptions, and it was back in December so all I can say is that I enjoyed the small bottle of 17 I bought, and liked the 12 better, though I only had one glass of it at the distillery.

I should say that it is very smooth and if I recall had a nice finish - been partially aged in plum wine casks.

[gunnermcgee]

Thanks Peat, I think I will give it a shot. I have not tried a Japanese whisky before, but I have heard nothing but good things about them.

[gunnermcgee]

From Malt Advocate, Hibiki 12 with a score of 88:
Well-rounded, solid malt backbone, and very drinkable. These are the main characteristics of this impressive blend. Honeysuckle, vanilla-coated malt and fruit (pineapple upside down cake, lemon tart, plum, bramble) are the primary flavors. Ripe barley, marzipan, beeswax, and clove round out the palate. Gentle, soothing finish. Suntory can make a 12 year old blend this good with just two malt distilleries? Scotland, are you taking notice?
(Vol. 18, #3) Reviewed by: John Hansell

Sounds very interesting!

[Islay Peat]

These reviews confuse the heck out of me - I couldn't taste any fruits whatsoever, but did think it tasted like a very smooth whisky.

Make sure and come back here when you do your own review of it.

[gunnermcgee]

I always think the same thing about reviews: Where did they come up with that? I just watched Ralfy's review of the Hibiki 12 on youtube, and I find I tend to agree with his assessments on most whiskies I've compared to his reviews. He does mention the sweet and fruity notes to both the nose and taste. He says the flavor says quality from start to finish, and it is very well-presented. He grades it 88/100, knocking off 3 points for added caramel color and chill-filtering.

I'm excited to try it, I will post my notes when I do!