Togouchi 12 Year

This is a spicier, drier, and more restrained expression compared to the Kiwami/Premium versions (which are virtually identical). The aging brings out the bitter sherry and fruity cask notes. Sadly, the delicate balance between the Canadian grain and Scottish malt is lost, and the sweetness and freshness from the French and Spanish oak are also missing. It's unusual to say, but I'd recommend the NAS version over this one.

A complex, 12-year-old Japanese blended whisky from Chugoku Jozo's Togouchi line, aged in a tunnel. It begins with notes of Meyer lemon, green apple, and a hint of smoke; its balanced middle adds apple and pear, with citrus zest, oak, and allspice; leading to a gentle end with an earthy note, more citrus tang, and a whiff of vanilla. October 2017 / September 2018 / January 2019 / August 2022

To sum up my thoughts in one sentence: it could have been worse. For a whisky made mostly from grains, I was surprised by the dominant malty flavor, with a hint of herbaceousness and faint peat on the palate. There isn't a lot going on here, and the absence of any unpleasant characteristics means this would likely be good in a highball. It's acceptable.

What difference does 12 years make? In this instance, none. No significant variations from the younger version. Slightly more herbaceous.

Not highly complex but enjoyable. The flavor remains on the tongue.

It has a leathery quality but is rather dull… nevertheless, it goes down easily.