Shizuoka United S

Nose: Fresh apples, honey, baked goods, candied ginger. Taste: Baked apples, ginger spice, goji berries, a slight metallic/mineral quality, and a touch of lemon acidity. Finish: Lingering fruity metallic notes, honey, ginger, and a hint of bitter fruit stems. Score: 78/100. Final Thoughts: This was good, with no significant flaws besides the fruity metallic/mineral sensation at the end. The aroma wasn't particularly exciting, but it presented as a very clean distillate, feeling quite neutral overall. Lacking intense fruit flavors, it seemed like a summery spirit that would pair well with a highball and a lemon or yuzu twist. Would I drink it if offered? Yes. Would I specifically order it? No. Would I buy a bottle? No. Note: Price is not considered in reviews.

2024 Summer Release Nose - Apples and pears cooked down, warm ginger, honey, weak brewed tea Taste - Apples cooked until tender, poached pear, cinnamon, honey, ginger, apple pastry, white grape candies Finish - Apple desserts cooked until tender, warm ginger spice, white grape candies Score - 84/100 Final Thoughts - This had a significantly better & more noticeable nose than the 2023 Winter release. It had more character and felt more like an apple pastry with hints of white grape candies from beginning to end. A light honey ginger spice sprinkled throughout was pleasant and I could definitely see myself sipping this neat rather than wanting to mix it into a highball. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.