KUJIRA 8 Year Ryukyu Whisky

It's rice, and I shouldn't be thinking of it as a rice wine or sake, despite the distiller's claims; this is not whisky. Immediately, you're met with sunscreen-like scents of coconut, orange blossom, and other tropical fruits. Is this detrimental? Typically, no, but there's an artificial tropical fruit presence that spoils the experience throughout. It overshadows the desirable notes one seeks in quality whisky. The palate offers subtle oak, raisin, and cranberry—but not typical whisky characteristics—leading to an overpowering anise/licorice finish. The finish isn't deep or long, but it's overwhelming. There's a distinct difference here that doesn't translate to a positive outcome for me. A persistent fruitiness, possibly from sherry, runs through it, but it's not the usual profile; it again reminds me of artificiality or sunscreen. Overall, it's sweet and smooth, worth a sip for contemplation of its nature. At around $130 a bottle, it's certainly not worth purchasing. While I've enjoyed many Japanese whiskies, this one doesn't work for me at all.

The aroma is toffee, apple juice, bright mango sweetness, and umami. The taste is somewhat thin. It's bright, with a sherry influence and an odd mushroom-like umami in the middle, plus some slightly skunky red wine barrel tannin. The finish is warm with bourbon barrel spice. It's surprisingly drier throughout than the aroma suggests. I believe more body and sweetness would significantly improve this. Very peculiar. It's not to my taste, but it might appeal to others.

I'm a big fan of bourbon, and this one suited me well. Classic caramel and vanilla, the wood was quite apparent on the aroma. It was delicate on the palate with hints of caramel apple and a peculiar spice I haven't encountered before. Quite enjoyable.

A very sweet, fruity, semi-tropical scent: primarily peaches, banana, and figs. The taste is surprisingly dry in comparison, with toffee notes but also a noticeable mineral aftertaste. It's nice and complex - certainly worth trying.

Aroma: burnt toffee, French vanilla ice cream, flowers, and dried fruit Palate: hazelnuts, cream, ethanol, a hint of dark dried fruit, a slight herbal note Finish: starts sweet and becomes quite dry, lingers briefly, mild burn

No Age Statement (3+ Years?): Wonderful caramel and burnt sugar notes throughout, with a consistent salty brine underneath. Fruit, apple, pear. The depth and variety of flavor are both excellent, I would definitely look for this.