Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

There's always a lingering thought that unless it's an official release from an actual Japanese distillery and has an age statement less than the distillery's operating history (meaning it's likely not sourced), then there's a good chance it isn't Japanese. Now, TBWC not being a Japanese label should imply that by claiming it's 'Japanese,' it actually is, and all the online discussion supports this, so it most likely is. One person suggested Yamazakura, another translated the Japanese writing, which included a reference to Bamboo, and the only distillery with that in its name is Taketsuru. Therefore, they concluded it's either that or Nikka. They also remarkably had a bottle of the 21-year, which was recently announced to be discontinued, and compared them side-by-side (they must have an extensive collection!). They believed it to be similar. The Taketsuru range is a blend of malt whiskies produced at Nikka's Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. So that makes sense, although why they would supply stock to TBWC if they are running low is puzzling... unless they were considering discontinuation, then perhaps it does make sense. I think I'm getting too sidetracked, and might even be on the wrong track! It's not a bad drink. Creme brulee, vanilla, banana, with slightly bitter wood notes. The finish is short and ethanolic. It's definitely not worth the price of a couple hundred USD, though.

Nose: dry red wine, dark sugar, reminiscent of a baking ingredient cupboard. Some very faint mustiness, a tiny bit of sherry nuttiness. Smells rich yet understated, dry and earthy. Palate: Oaky upon the first taste, with some vanilla and toffee, and light pepper. Just malty enough, then flavors similar to those found in savory-sweet cakes like carrot cake. Nutty notes return. That rich yet understated impression carries through to the palate - dark and chocolatey but not excessively so, with just enough bitterness to provide balance. Finish: Oaky, with a little spice. Some dark chocolate bitterness and smooth moments. Overall: A very well-balanced whisky. The perfect amount of bitterness and sweetness, with a pleasant long finish. Familiar oaky flavors that are skillfully balanced. Perhaps 21-year-old whiskies are the way to go, as the Glenfarclas was also exceptionally well-balanced in a similar manner!

Batch 3 can compete with Hibiki/Tsuru/Taketsuru 17+ years old in a blind tasting. Nose: Vanilla, Raisins, Honey, Sandalwood, Ginger, Oranges, Sakura, Banana Bread, Coconuts, Almonds Palate: Honey, Dark Chocolate, Raisins, Almonds, Coconuts, Raisins, Pineapples, Milk Chocolate, Coffee, Banana Bread, Raspberries, Strawberries, Cookie Dough Finish: Honey, Vanilla, Oranges, Raisins, Cherries, Walnuts, Ginger, Coffee, Cherries, Strawberries

Dry, medicinal, woody with a hint of peat. I would not purchase this again.

Clear grain notes, a hint of peat.