Togouchi Premium Blended Whisky

A really surprising spirit. My first time trying a Japanese whisky. Very pale and light in appearance (I question if it was truly aged in a sherry cask). The aroma from the bottle presents violet and alcohol, alongside very subtle (hidden) notes of fresh citrus and apples. Vanilla and oak scents are also slightly present but easier to detect. Pouring it into a glass diminishes the aroma somewhat. Upon the initial sip, it's quite spicy and peppery. An incredibly smooth and oily (even creamy) texture coats the tongue, offering a pleasant and intriguing contrast to the initial flavors. As it progresses, the whisky becomes less spicy and smoother to drink. At this point, notes of apple and fruit can be tasted. Adding a few drops of water reduces the spiciness further but also lessens the creaminess (which is unfortunate). Violet syrup and a light cacao flavor emerge at this stage. I don't typically consume blended whisky (this might only be my third or fourth one), and as mentioned, it's my first Japanese. However, this was a very positive experience, and I'd gladly repeat it. If you have the opportunity to try it, go for it!

A smooth, blended Japanese spirit from the makers Chugoku Jozo, who age their whisky in a tunnel maintaining a consistent temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit and 80% humidity. The name originates from the tunnel's location in Togouchi, which combined with two other towns to form the larger municipality of Akiota. They store those oak Sherry casks deep within an abandoned railway tunnel to mature. Consequently, this is a NAS (No Age Statement) spirit, approximately 60% Canadian and 40% Scottish, aged for about 8 years in Spanish Sherry casks underground in Japan. It presents a gentle and sweet initial impression with notes of spice and vanilla; its rich development introduces notes of oak and dark chocolate, peat, floral elements, and biscuit; culminating in a refined conclusion with notes of oak, sugar, and hints of sherry and grain. October 2017 / August 2022

The Togouchi Blended Spirit is not genuinely a Japanese Spirit; it is composed entirely of Scottish spirit, simply bottled in Japan. Bottled at 40% ABV, it is the most transparent spirit I have ever encountered, possessing a Gin-like clarity. On the nose, it is very subtle; it requires considerable resting time. After 10 minutes, notes begin to emerge: plum, faint peatiness, alcohol, vanilla cookie, pepper, and chocolate powder. On the palate, it's surprisingly decent, slightly bitter, with notes of cereal, pepper, ash, and dry brown grasses. The finish is short, and the body is medium. Overall, it scores a 69 out of 10, perhaps suitable for mixed drinks.

This is pleasant enough, particularly on the nose where you'll discover a really nice, delicate, floral quality. The whisky smells simply nice and light. The palate, however, I must say, is somewhat underwhelming. It's not bad, but there's simply not much to it. There's sweetness, those floral notes reappear, and then a quick and very mild finish. That's essentially it. I'd describe this as very drinkable, and even refreshing. But it's far from impressive, especially when compared to similar offerings.

Allow to rest for roughly one minute. Appearance: Extremely pale amber, nearly transparent like water; Smell: A sour scent reminiscent of yeast, the sourness recedes to reveal delicate floral notes and a thick, syrupy consistency; Taste: Feels watery on the first sip, a brief floral note appears and vanishes quickly, delicate like a flower arrangement (similar to Dalwhinnie 15); Finish: No lasting aftertaste, no need for palate cleansers, lacks complexity. (Addendum: A slightly metallic note at the very end.)

Nose - This whisky has a subtle rum-like aroma, a scent derived from the presence of milk chocolate notes as well as nutmeg, sultana, and a mild spice. Palate - A cascade of milk chocolate melts on the tongue along with a hint of vanilla, smoked oak, saffron, and concluding with a mild, pleasant spice. Finish - The finish is considerably lighter than anticipated, with buttery vanilla fading away around a distinct note of cereal.