Tasting notes
By Serge Valentin (whiskyfun.com)
NOSE: Much more happening in this one. Starts like a mix of nutmeg just like in the Hibiki 30 yo, butter, hay and mashed potatoes, getting then sort of smoky and oaky and finally rather grassy. Not particularly heavy I’d say.
PALATE: Again, much more happening in this one than in the “Furudaru Shiage”. Heavier indeed, pleasantly rough, malty, quite candied again but also rather smoky, liquoricy, almost kind of peaty – or is it peat indeed? Gets slightly cardboardy after that but it’s fine whisky no doubt. I’d say ‘northern Highlands style’, and direct firing may well have brought that extra-punch and body to it.
FINISH: Longer than the “Furudaru Shiage” for sure, still very powerful but probably grainier and more honeyed now. Good and very ‘Scottish’ if I may say so. 81 points.”