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.
Credit where it’s due – Suntory and there selection of Japanese whiskies have done more than simply exist, and have left a distinctive flavor and style (albeit a derivative one). The Hibiki is no exception, and while preferred over some others from Suntory – it’s still going to be the Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve for us.
Back to ‘scotch’ instead of tequila we instead take a slight diversion to Japan. We’ve actually had some pretty good luck with Japanese whiskies in the past, and though this looked to be one of the cheaper entry-level products hopes were high it could compete with it’s brothers the Yamazaki and the Hakushu.
Well I recently found myself in the UK, paying a visit before the country went tits up in the Brexit. I paid a visit to Soho for some sushi, papercraft kits, and some Japanese whisky. I had tried a version of Hakushu once in a restaurant, but I had not heard of the distiller’s reserve (this might be because at this time I can’t find it in the states) but I figured I’d give it a try.
Our part 2 of New Hampshire scotch adventures, and of course some people just muttered/shouted that this is not in fact scotch. This is due to the fact that it actually comes from Japan despite its presence in the scotch aisle of every store. Japan has been making waves recently in the whiskey market, most notably with Sunatory buying many whiskey making companies, and with it’s own well-known/imported whiskies. Hibiki and this, Nikka.
A Journey of Justice: Part 3
Dear Booze Reviewers,
I’ve once again found it within my power to postmark a message to you. Though my travels have been long and arduous I have once again made it to civilization. I appear to be somewhere in the far east. As you can imagine I was at first quite distraught as to where I found myself for this is not the land of Whiskey, being the beverage I sought after. Here there is only sake, souju, and rice beer. All great drinks in their own right, but none close to my prized drink: Scotch. However, fate saw fit to prove this first impression wrong. It wasn’t long before I stumbled upon and old building tucked away in the mountains. Even from a distance I knew that this was no ordinary building, in fact it was my favorite sort of building: a distillery.
Eventually using my wit and pack full of seemingly useless items, I managed not only to ascertain that this building was indeed a facility for distilling single malt whiskies, but also to procure a bottle of their single malt. I knew after taking the first sip that I had not become lost in my travels, no. It was fate’s drunken hand that had guided me here. The whisky had a rich smoky taste that pulled me in right from the beginning. After finding some ice (don’t ask me how) I poured myself a glass and set to my duties.
