Japanese Whiskies

[rtp3]

Haven't tried that many but I have tried all three of the Nikka Pure Malts (Red, Black, & White) and I have a bottle of the Nikka Coffey Grain 1992 open right now.

I have always enjoyed the Nikka Pure White and have challenged several hard-core Scotch drinkers (you know, the kind who don't think that whisky can be made correctly or well anywhere outside of Scotland) with it.

As far as the Coffey Grain, I am about half-way through the bottle and have not completely made up my mind about it ... I like it but don't know if it could compete with some of my favorite bourbons.

Like always, I am willing to try more and more Japanese whiskies.

[Bulkington]

I am a very lucky person, as the company I work in import Japanese whisky into Norway. Over the last two years I have sampled the following:

I have sampled SC from Karuizawa in the following vintages:
- 1971, '73, '76, '79, '81, '83, '84, '86, '88, '89, '90, '91, '92, '93, '94, '95. I have also sampled two wine matured Karuizawa casks from '95
Others:
- Gingko Blended Malt
- Chichibu New Born Bourbon Barrel
- Hanyu 3 of Spades, Jack of Spades, Queen of Diamonds, 6 of Diamonds, 7 of Hearts, 4 of Clubs + two No 1 Drinks Co SC finished in Japanese Oak ('88-2007 & '90-2008)
- Nikka Yoichi NAS, 10, 12, 15, 20, 12 yo 70th Anniversary
- Nikka Miyagikyo NAS, 10, 12, 15, 12 yo 70th Anniversary
- Nikka from the Barrel, Coffey Malt 12, Coffey Grain '91 & '92, Coffey Grain 12 yo 70th Anniversary

I have also sampled several excellent blends from Nikka. Japanese whisky in general is stunning, Karuizawa, Yoichi and Hanyu in particular. Chichibu will be excellent whisky in a while, as the first casks were filled last summer.

That list of Karuizawas is amazing. It's a shame that we in the States can only get what we can mail order from Europe.

[Adrian]

I've been into Japanese whiskies for nearly 2 years now and very inpressed with the quality of them. I find the some of the younger whiskies a bit expensive for their age compared to the older whiskies but no matter.

I've tried the following so far ...


Hanyu 15yo Jack of Clubs (A great single sherry cask )
Hakushu 12 (The 12yo's seem to be good only a touch of smoke but that is not a bad thing)
Hibiki 17yo (A beautiful smooth and drinkable blend, along the lines of an Irish or JW gold)
Karuizawa 1971 (I got this for 110 too and sorry I did not get a second a brute of a whiskey but absolutely wonderful too )
Nikka Black (Not the best but good for the price)
Nikka from the Barrel (Just a 2cl sample and was impressed)
Nikka Coffey Malt 12 (Just a 2cl sample and was also impressed)
Yamazaki 10 (Not a patch on the 12yo)
Yamazaki 12 (For me the best of the Yamazaki's)
Yamazki 18 (Very interesting and enjoyable but not a forceful as the 12yo)

[Aidan]

Hi Adrian

Was at the Japanese tasting in Dublin. My favourite of the night was the Hibiki 17. Also tried the soon-to-be launched Hibiki 12.

I like all the Yamazakis. The 18 is very good with chocolate. Hakashus also very good.

I've been into Japanese whiskies for nearly 2 years now and very inpressed with the quality of them. I find the some of the younger whiskies a bit expensive for their age compared to the older whiskies but no matter.

I've tried the following so far ...


Hanyu 15yo Jack of Clubs (A great single sherry cask )
Hakushu 12 (The 12yo's seem to be good only a touch of smoke but that is not a bad thing)
Hibiki 17yo (A beautiful smooth and drinkable blend, along the lines of an Irish or JW gold)
Karuizawa 1971 (I got this for 110 too and sorry I did not get a second a brute of a whiskey but absolutely wonderful too )
Nikka Black (Not the best but good for the price)
Nikka from the Barrel (Just a 2cl sample and was impressed)
Nikka Coffey Malt 12 (Just a 2cl sample and was also impressed)
Yamazaki 10 (Not a patch on the 12yo)
Yamazaki 12 (For me the best of the Yamazaki's)
Yamazki 18 (Very interesting and enjoyable but not a forceful as the 12yo)

[Adrian]

Hi Adrian

Was at the Japanese tasting in Dublin. My favourite of the night was the Hibiki 17. Also tried the soon-to-be launched Hibiki 12.

I like all the Yamazakis. The 18 is very good with chocolate. Hakashus also very good.

No was not at the Dublin tasting but I have purchased a few over the years and the rest I tasted at WL London. Did I miss any gems at the Dublin tasting?

[Mark C]

I tried the Hibiki 12yo today and it is superb. The Japanese are definitely doing something right.