Kyoto Miyako Whisky

September 2024 - Lille - Residence of the skinny dog Appearance: Light color Aroma: Alcohol and fruit present. First sip: Crystalline and very fresh, it primes the palate before a second, alcoholic and spicy sip takes over the mouth and chest. It's powerful! It burns the mouth in a way rarely seen with Japanese whiskies. Third sip: Smooth, with a raisin-like aftertaste, reminiscent of a cognac with a certain level of aggression. It almost earns 4 stars, but it lacks richness and subtlety in its intensity. Lots of power! A whisky for a man, powerful... a drink to quench the thirst of samurai warriors or to unleash the madness of grand dukes! Drank in Lille, at the skinny dog's place, before going hunting for harlots... The evening promises to be as punchy as this whisky!

Nose - Mild vanilla, brown sugar, young wood casks, dried goji berries Taste - Rather thin, unsweetened barley/toasted rice tea, a hint of bitter herb stems & spices, goji berries, joss/incense sticks Finish - Lingering lightly medicinal sweetness, barley/toasted rice tea Score - 62/100 Final Thoughts - This also felt a bit thin and young, but didn't strongly suggest fresh ethanol. It had a distinct Korean barley/toasted rice tea vibe mixed with a hint of Chinese herbal broth. Not the best combination, not great, but also not terrible? No artificial sweetener, which is a positive. Would I drink it if offered? - Perhaps Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.