Nose: Oranges, apricots, bran, coffee bean, lime water, toffee.
Palate: Definitely on the light side due to the combination of low abv and style. Orange and poppy seed cake, almond flakes, coconut, lemon and barley.
Finish: Orange and poppy seed cake, almond flakes, bran and some late white pepper.
Last word: Nothing funky/off about it but a little to light for my tastes.
Rating: 79/100
Thanks for reviewing this, Brian. As I understand, this is a distillery exclusive meant as a souvenir, correct? Have you any idea what these go for in the Miyagikyo gift shop, and whether they still sell them?
In any case, I bought a bottle at Hasegawa a few years back for around US$50 (batch 04F16B; any help deciphering the code would be of interest as well). I had been debating whether to open it, or to leave it sealed up as a collectors’ item. Based on your notes, I am leaning towards the latter.
Yep, whenever you see Genshu or Taradeshi Genshu these are normally distillery exclusives. Of coarse like many things in Japan they can find their way into retail stores. Don’t know how much in the gift shop but I paid about 40 bucks. I think these have been replaced by a blend at the distillery. I have definitely seen pictures of the blend both the Miyagikyo and Yoichi versions 500ml. Both have the individual distillery name on the label so although a blend, neither contains malt from the other distillery.
The rest of my bottle will be making it’s way into highballs : )