The most notable thing here on the surface is actually an omission – the word Suntory. Yes, it’s a Japanese whisky not from the monolithic giant that has buy-in over the states. The problem, however, is the notable omission that’s deeper than the surface – good tasting whiskey.
Now that’s not to say what we have here is actually bad, it’s more odd. This feels more like a slightly citrusy rum, and we’re sure in something like an old-fashioned it’d be up to the task (it actually sort-of is), but it’s not a great whiskey.
What they Say: “” (just a government warning and product of Japan)
Taste: 4.0 – That goes down like a rum spice with oranges. Don’t get us wrong it’s not bad, but it’s not whisky.
Aftertaste: 4.0 – There’s no respite here. Sure there’s a whiff of smoke on the nostrils, but overall it goes down like any other rum (as evidence by testing this against our well rum) Again not bad, but no.
Burn/Smooth: 6.0 – It’s not exactly smooth, and there’s a bit of burn, but the sweetness from before helps carry it.
Aroma: 3.5 – It smells of caramel, and more like a rum than a whisky. There’s a distinct lack of a peat or rye or corn & wheat whiskey smell and it’s saddening.
Honesty: 5.0 – The bottle shape, bit of art, and lack of wank work perfectly here. Aside from a lacklustre screw top, it’s nice to have such an elegant design. However, for calling yourself a whisky somehow feels dishonest. The person who buys this bottle knowing of the Suntory offerings will have a certain level of expectation, and ultimately feel lied too.
Mixability: 4.0
W/ Rocks: 4.0 – That turns up the smoky flavor and it finally almost reminds you of a whisky. Because of that though it feels a bit burnt, and overall it’s not any better to drink even if it is more whisky like.
Value: 1.5 – This would have without a doubt gone lower, but at its core, it’s not a bad neat sipping dram. However when you put this in the $50 range that all falls apart. Ignore the rum like qualities, ignore the subpar mixing, ignore any good will. This is simply not worth buying at $30 and charging 50 is what pushes it over the edge.
Google Shop Average: $49
Website: http://domaineselect.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 3.5
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Metric Score: 28/70 |+| Metric Average: 4.0 |+| Reviewer Average: 3.5
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Final Thoughts: My main issue here is that mixing this with other non-scored cocktails has yet to produce something truly great, and overall the drink just feels like it’s lost its way. This is unfortunate because we’ve been eagerly looking forward to more from Japan as they move into the market.
This is certainly meant to be mixed into a highball, either with a high mineral soda or ginger ale. Mixed right with a single ice cube it’s a taste of the Golden Gai. Drinking it straight is like eating ketchup without French fries.