Sakurao Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Nose - Mildly herbal/medicinal, apples, dried longan, sandalwood, cinnamon Taste - Faint medicinal/herbal smoke, saline, black pepper, machine oil, cooked apples, slight earthy/metallic quality Finish - Lingering medicinal sweetness, salt, earth/dirt notes Score - 73/100 Final Thoughts - This spirit is quite intriguing as it seems to aim for a younger Laphroaig profile, but significantly muted. The nose gives no indication of peat, and even on the palate, I'm not entirely convinced it's peated, or if it possesses some kind of earthy funk. It's not bad, but it feels somewhat weak and diluted. It has some character with earthy/mineral funk, but everything seems subdued. It's unclear if the intention was a very subtle Laphroaig/Ardbeg imitation, but this feels like it. Would I drink it if offered? - Perhaps Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All evaluations exclude price considerations.

Japanese peated whiskey, very similar to Scotch.

Tastes of raisin or sherry, a very pleasant sip.