FUJIMI The 7 Virtues of the Samurai

Hiver 2023 - Drôme Provençale. Appearance: A pale golden hue with some apricot highlights. Aromas: Alcohol vapors, a clear and airy nose, with subtle citrus notes. Initial Taste: Somewhat liqueur-like and full-bodied on the first sip. A sweet and smooth sensation washes over the palate. Second Taste: Then, like a brass band starting a street fanfare, a pronounced spicy flavor explodes on the second sip. This whisky achieves the remarkable feat of highlighting the sweetness of chili pepper, as if delicacy could reveal the alcohol's fire without enduring its burn. Third Taste: A delicate film of honey mellows the tongue on the third sip, as if to signify the evaporation of the spicy flavors. Over time: The third taste strengthens throughout the night, and the honey sensation lingers on the taste buds. I believe drinking 4 or 5 glasses of this nectar is wise to fully appreciate this delicate honey sensation, full of finesse. Overall: A general sweetness emanates from this whisky; the subtle blend of honey and chili delights the palate and ignites hearts. A refined whisky for elegant women. Tasted at Christmas while reading excerpts from Tsikigakure. An echo of ancestral spirits and ancient liqueurs.

Nose - Longan, cedar, honey, chestnuts, whole wheat toast Palate - Fairly thin mouthfeel, whole wheat brioche toast, unripe apples/pears, generic sweet syrup Finish - Super short, light fruity bitterness, simple syrup Score - 53/100 Final Thoughts - The best aspect of this is the nose, and that's being very generous. There isn't much happening here; the mouthfeel is quite thin, and the overall experience is quite dull. After everything is said and done, I nosed the glass again, and I detected this peculiar aroma that I can only describe as Chinese cough syrup that comes in small red spheres. Regardless, it's pretty dull, and I'm not even sure it would be good for mixing into a highball. Would I drink it if offered? - No Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No

A pale gold color, light in body but assertive and challenging. It tastes young and unsubtle, yet it possesses distinct spice and fruity elements. Excellent served over ice or in a highball. It's a bit expensive but provides considerable enjoyment.

It has a spicier aroma than its taste suggests. It almost tastes like cheap vodka; there's a lot of alcohol but not much flavor. It's heavy on cereal, slightly woody/nutty, and not much else. There's no finish at all.

It's acceptable, a bit smoother on the palate and flavorful. Not my top choice for Japanese spirits, but it's fair.

A pleasant combination with hints of oak.