Nose: Cantaloupe, honeydew melon, almonds, macadamia’s, hint of white pepper and a slight dusty note.
Palate: Without water I’d say fairly one dimensional on peanuts, peanut butter, black pepper and freshly sawn timber. Water brings back the cantaloupe and macadamia’s and adds some strawberry compote and cocoa powder.
Finish: Cantaloupe, peanut butter and some mouth drying wood tannins.
Last Word: While I would not call this a bad or cheap tasting spirit, it just doesn’t get me excited. I also have an unopened bottle of the Yamakazura Cask Strength Sherry Wood Finish so will be reviewing that some time down the track.
Rating: 80/100
Can I ask what the price was on this bottle?
I got the Yamakazura Cask Strength Sherry Wood Finish 15yr. It was about 30,000 Yen at Daimaru Dept Store.
Also very curious about your impressions about the Kurayoshi 18. Picked one up also about 10,000 Yen, but now I’m a little disappointed, because even though the bottle says “Made in Nippon”, it’s imported Scotch whisky aged and watered in Japan.
I honestly can’t remember exactly what I paid for it but I never buy unless I think the price is at least reasonable and in most cases a bargain. Maybe about half the price I paid for the Sherry Wood Finish and I think that one I got for about Y25k
Have never tried the Kurayoshi 18 and from what you just wrote probable never will : )