Nose: Old books, bay leaves, sweet pipe tobacco, vanilla, toffee, tea leaves, sugar coated mint jellies, licorice, orange peels, brine. Quite gentle, is there less Kawasaki Single Grain in this blend? I think so. Less savoury & sherried compared to the 2018 but there is also some similarities. Takes a little longer to dissect compared with the 2018 but with time, there is plenty of depth and satisfacion to be had. Sweeter and more floral with water added.
Palate: Side by side in the glass the 2018 is much darker(picture below under the rating score). There is some initial pepper and chili spice. Tangy citrus, honey, bay leaves, vanilla, raisins, ginger bread, nouget, sweet tobacco, licorice, black plums. Water adds a touch of salt and the tangy citrus and warm spices pop on the mid palate. Medium bodied.
Finish: Pepper, ginger bread, vanilla, the sugar coated mint jellies, soft tannins, touch of old grain. Water ups the vanilla, old grain, licorice and adds currants. Long and complex.
Last Word: More subtle compared to the 2018 but given time to open and especially when adding a touch of water, the 2019 is nipping right at the heels of last years release. The finish is a highlight.

Rating: 91/100
Check out the color difference. 2019 on the left in the Chichibu glass.