Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky, 43%

Pronounced nose intensity with notes of apricot, almond, nut, caramel.

Japanese & Heaven Hill Comparison (The Hatch Paso Robles) : Touch more peat than 17. A kaleidoscopic Japanese whiskey. Changes every 5 seconds on you.

Medium-light golden brown color with rose glints. Lavish and fruity nose of brandied cherries, sweet berries, and lemon zest. This has a smooth entry and is round upon the palate, though the flavors are somewhat muddled. There is an herbal, slightly bitter tang around the periphery. This has an astringent finish, with a minty note and the grainy, tart taste of unripe berries. Normally one of the world's great blends, the cask finish unsuccessfully tries to add to near-perfection, and …

Medium-light amber color. Bright nose, with aromas of cashews, honey, and freshly-cut grass. This starts with cinnamon-sugar and lime flavors at the front of the palate, becoming light and airy at midpalate, before grassy notes recur at the back of the mouth. This finishes long and elegantly, with spicy and woody notes. Deft and balanced, this is not as complete as the Taketsuru 21 (as though any whisky could be), nor as hefty as the Hibiki 12. Still, it is …

Medium-dark orange gold color. Nose of raisin toast, sticky toffee pudding. This has a dense, concentrated palate with honey and mint flavors. The finish incorporates both a stony minerality and a rich, warm, toasty flavor, as well as savory hints of soy sauce and black pepper. Three dimensional whiskey in every regard. This is superlative. It is a worthy rival of anything from Scotland, or any single malt.

apple peel, cream, tiny smoke, brine, spice; clove...spicy, juicy, slightly tannic grip, slight coffee hints as well as the flavours from the nose...very nice.

Oaky, smoky, and sweet. Lovely.