Suntory The Chita

I’m a real fan of japanese whiskey, it is a shame age statements have become so expensive. The Hibiki 17 was a wonderful expression when it was available for £70ish and the nikka 12 is one i continue to return to as its price seems to have held beneath the £90 mark.

The Chita is a different animal, a NAS single grain whiskey which can still be bought for around £50. Going in to this I just hope that the quality of production has remained, even if the age has been lost.

Nose: I have come to expect gentle, well rounded and approachable elements across all three categories in the japanese whiskeys i have tried to this point. In the nose The Chita doesn’t disappoint.

Soft sweet caramel meets green apples and a hint of mowed grass. Orchard fruits hold on to the back end with chardonnay grapes present at all times.

Palate: Oily, but not to the extent that it clings to the tongue or roof of the mouth. It is almost chewy whilst achieving a light mouthfeel. Surprisingly i find salted caramel here along with baked apple and pear. Beautifully balanced but lacking complexity.

Finish: The finish reminds me of custard creams, butter and sweet vanilla. Caramel and an afterthought of honey appear at the end of this short finish, accompanied by a gentle wood spice.

In conclusion, Suntory have done it again. A beautifully balanced expression of attention to detail and quality. Complexity is certainly not the order of the day here but that shouldn’t put you off and it hasn’t me. I refuse to be caught out by sudden price spikes again... I’ve bought three.

Kampai !