Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve, 42% A+

Body - A little more straightforward on the palate, although still balanced and polite. A good, balanced blended malt, running between peat, bamboo and toffee sweetness.
Finish - Medium, sweet toffee near the end. Wood sour develops slowly and comfortably near the end. A very good, 4/4, respectful Japanese blended malt.
What’s not good about it: Almost ordinary in delivery, although ticking most boxes along the way.
What’s good about it: Wonderful nose - particularly for the price. Great balance and smooth delivery throughout, interesting wood. Seriously drinkable.
Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve, 43% A⊕

Body - Sweet toffee, then chilli spice, then bamboo wood and a meaty, toasted satay quality.
Finish - Long, good balance and interest, toasty notes and a real savoury edge coming through. Drying wood and licked joss sticks just balances the cloying boiled sweets that develop at the end. Quite a changing finish. Right at the end there’s an intensely numbing quality that develops - more licked joss sticks and Sichuan peppercorns.
What’s not good about it: Not much - it’s actually a little bit odd but I can’t hold that against it. Actually if we’re splitting hairs the ABV could be higher and the delivery could have a little more intensity
What’s good about it: Fabulous nose, all the crayon and drying wood of the Hakushu with additional richness, fruit and sweet shop intensity. Lovely balance - fire and wood against that red fruit. Hold on, is this really a £40 bottle of whisky? It’s amazing. I’d be impressed with this nose on a whisky twice that. Blending rocks.
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