The Whiskyphiles

Japan

  • SMWS 120.7 Sweet, fragrant and satisfying

    Hakushu 14 Years Old 1999 120.7 Sweet, fragrant and satisfying (55.5%, SMWS, 1st Fill Bota Corta Butt, 517 Bottles, 2014) Category: Japanese single malt whisky Origin: Hakushu Distillery Bottling: Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask #120.7 ABV: 55.5% Cost: £229 for the… Continue reading

    SMWS 120.7 Sweet, fragrant and satisfying

  • Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select

    Nice blended Japanese whisky, a definite improvement over the standard Hibiki Japanese Harmony blend. This Master’s Select expression has a touch more oak wood and a good chocolate component though occasionally it was overpowered slightly by the spiciness of the… Continue reading

    Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select

  • Hibiki Japanese Harmony

    Hibiki Japanese Harmony (43%, OB, 2015) Category: Blended Japanese whisky Distillery: Various, but likely to include Yamazaki, Hakushu (Malt) and Chita (Grain) Bottling: Official ABV: 43% Cost: £49.99 What they say: Hibiki Japanese Harmony encapsulates the harmony that exists between… Continue reading

    Hibiki Japanese Harmony

  • Ichiro’s Malt & Grain

    Ichiro’s Malt & Grain (46%, OB, 2015) Japanese blended whisky Chichibu distillery 46% ABV, £60.95 for 70cl available from The Whisky Exchange Score: 85/100 What they say: A blend from the king of independent Japanese distillers, Ichiro Akuto. In addition… Continue reading

    Ichiro’s Malt & Grain

  • Nikka Black 8 Years Old

    Nikka Black 8 Years Old (40%, OB, 2014) Blended Japanese whisky 40% ABV, €26.95 from E. Leclerc Score: 84/100 What they say: Featuring the “King of Blenders”, this very recognizable label has been a staple of the Japanese whisky shelves… Continue reading

    Nikka Black 8 Years Old

  • Taketsuru 12 Years Old Pure Malt

    Taketsuru 12 Years Old Pure Malt (40%, OB, 2015) Blended Japanese malt whisky 40% ABV Score: 84/100 What they say: Fresh and balanced, the 12 year old Taketsuru bottling is a perfect entry point into the world of Japanese whisky.… Continue reading

    Taketsuru 12 Years Old Pure Malt

  • Miyagikyo 15 Years Old

    Miyagikyo 15 Years Old (45%, OB, 2015) Japanese single malt whisky 45% ABV, £95 for 70cl Score: 87/100   What they say: This single malt whisky features a full and mature nose with an essence of the cask reminiscent of… Continue reading

    Miyagikyo 15 Years Old

  • Nikka All Malt

    Nikka All Malt (40%, OB, 2015) Blended Japanese whisky 40% ABV, £30.36 Score: 79/100 What they say: In general, Nikka blended whisky is created from malt whisky made from barley malt in pot stills, and grain whisky made by distilling… Continue reading

    Nikka All Malt

  • Akashi Blended Whisky

    White Oak Akashi (40%, OB, 2014) Blended Japanese whisky 40% ABV, £33.69 for 50cl at Master of Malt Score: 82/100 What they say: White Oak Akashi or ‘White Oak land whiskey testimony’ (Blended)’ is produced by the Eigashima Shuzo Spirits… Continue reading

    Akashi Blended Whisky

  • Togouchi 8 Years Old

    Togouchi 8 Years Old (40%, OB, 2014) ‘Japanese’ Blended Whisky 40% ABV, £42.50 for 70cl Score: 82/100 What they say: Togouchi blended whisky is produced by the Chogokujozo company in Japan. The Chogokojozo company was started in 1918 as makers… Continue reading

    Togouchi 8 Years Old