Japanese Whisky reviews

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 by the Mercian Wine Company. Mercian owned a former vineyard and decided to convert this into a small traditional distillery. Apparently the location at…

This whisky is outstanding for a 10 year old. The smoke is perfect and not overpowering.On the Nose: Hint of freshly lit matchstick (which I much prefer over a smoky and earthy peat), vanilla, toffee,…

Yamazaki distillery was established in 1923 by the Kotobukiya Company, owned by Shinjiro Torii. It is located in Yamazaki, a small town situated between Kyoto and Osaka. Production started in 1924 with…

Kioke Shikomi is a ‘Pure Malt’, meaning that it does not contain any grain whisky. Arguably, the malt whisky is all Hakushu – at least that is what is claimed by a number of Japanese whisky bloggers.…

Al in al a very nicely balanced dram with surprising depth and complexity. There is another aroma dimension to this whisky that I can't identify, it has some spicy sweetness that I have no reference to…

Karuizawa distillery was established in 1955 by the Mercian Wine Company. Mercian owned a former vineyard and decided to convert this into a small traditional distillery. Apparently the location at…