Suntory Royal

Nose - Very subtle fruity/floral vanilla, light caramel, traces of Asian pear, star fruit. Palate - Quite thin and light, tastes of pear/white grape juice, floral, a gentle fruity bittersweetness like pomelo rind, a mild woody/spicy tingle. Finish - A light, lingering woody/spicy tingle, fruity and floral notes persist, more Asian pear and star fruit with a fading pomelo rind bittersweetness. Score - 81/100 Overall - This screams Japanese blend. The flavors are very delicate, well-integrated, and inoffensive, but subtle. The nose is rather bland, but very floral and almost like a gentle perfume. I suspect this is best enjoyed neat, as it seems like it would quickly disappear in a highball or any other mixed drink. It has a very light and gentle summery vibe, something you can sip and easily forget. Nothing unpleasant, but at the same time, nothing truly memorable.

Smooth and easy to drink. The aroma is subtle with apple, floral notes, and a gentle sweetness, reminiscent of poundcake. The palate is soft with a creamy texture. Delicate fruit, mild spice, and a touch of sugar. The finish is very brief and gentle as well. It has versatility but not extensive complexity, which is acceptable here as it results in an enjoyable casual drink. It's worth noting I acquired this at a grocery store in Kyoto for a modest price, around $40. In that region, it's considered a classic slightly above average, typically enjoyed by older gentlemen. I've since discovered it's sold in the US for well over $250 a bottle, and I must warn you, it's not worth that price. Its limited availability is the primary driver of its cost. However, if you happen to be in East Asia, it's certainly worth sampling.

I noticed this Suntory Royal bottle at a friend's place, and when offered to choose any bottle, I naturally gravitated towards the 'older-looking Suntory,' assuming it was the most difficult to find. The outcome: a rather unremarkable dram that is easily forgotten. On the nose: Distinct grain whisky from the start. Lemon, dry cake, yeast, raw rice. Quite similar to Haig Club. On the palate: spice, butter, and corn. Not good. The aftertaste is brief with yeast notes. Essentially a grain whisky, this one can be skipped. Scored 68/100.

From the 1970s. Nose: Vanilla, Lavender, Cherries, Caramel, Chocolate, Sandalwood, Corn, Grass, Pepper, Oranges, Peaches Palate: Salted Caramel, Oranges, Cherries, Chocolate, Apricots, Mangoes, Papayas, Green Apples, Red Apples, Sakura, Pepper Finish: Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, Cherries, Red Apples, Oranges, Peaches

A sample from a 1984 United Airlines sponsor item for the Hawaiian Open was tasted. The vessel remained sealed in a porcelain headdress for 36 years prior to being opened. The pour was vibrant and showed no ill effects from its extended storage. The profile is reminiscent of a very fine scotch blend.

Effortlessly smooth from beginning to end. Vanilla, caramel, and orange zest appear first. A pleasant, light cinnamon spice rests on the palate. It concludes with a somewhat malty character, featuring undertones of cocoa, toffee, and brown butter. The finish is brief. An easy drinker, but unremarkable.