Togouchi 9 Year Blended Whisky

A creamy, 9-year-old blended whisky from Chugoku Jozo's intriguing Togouchi line. The producers craft their expressions with whisky from both Scotland & Canada, then age it in a railway tunnel in Japan. It has an aromatic start with notes of sweet apricot, plum & a dusting of baking spices; while a rich middle adds notes of lemon & orange peel & a touch of peat smoke underneath; that led to a complex end of medium length with notes of anise, cardamom & caramel. October 2017 / 2019 / August 2022

Subtle peat and a very faint hint of smoke, if any. Floral notes become more prominent on the second nosing. The second taste reveals citrus and white raisins. The finish is complex, carrying the citrus forward with a touch of peat returning at the end. I found it quite enjoyable. I received this in a tasting pack from a provider. I don't believe I would pay more than $50-$60 for a bottle, but it would be worth it at that price.

I am going to be completely honest here: DO NOT BUY THIS. This is not even Japanese Whisky; it's Scottish, matured in Japan. Even the NAS expression is superior. Pale straw color, 40% alcohol by volume. On the nose, there is nothing. Rice and soap. But very faint. On the palate, it is spicy with perhaps a wasabi/chilli note. Aftertaste is short with a slight peat note and pepper. Overall, I give this dram a very low score: 48/100. Not recommended.

To be completely upfront: Do not purchase this. This is not authentic Japanese Whisky; it's Scotch that was matured in Japan. Even the non-age-statement version is superior. Appearance: Pale straw, 40% ABV. Aroma: Virtually nonexistent. Faint notes of rice and soap. Palate: Spicy, with a hint of wasabi or chili. Finish: Short, with a slight touch of peat and pepper. Overall, I rate this dram very low: 48/100. I cannot recommend it.

This isn't my preferred style of whiskey, so take this with a grain of salt. There's a smoky undertone, but it's not overwhelming. I generally dislike smoky profiles, but the sweeter citrus notes and cinnamon spice blend well in this. It's not a top pick or something I'd actively look for, but it's enjoyable.

The aroma is like a subtle Speyside, with sweetness and a touch of spice. There's a slight ethanol presence on the palate, but it's otherwise quite smooth. I'm struggling to identify many distinct notes. It's pleasant and unobtrusive, but not particularly memorable.