Fuyu Small Batch Blended Japanese Whisky

There's an ongoing debate as to whether or not Fuyu is an "authentic" or "real" Japanese whisky. Frankly, it matters not to me as long as it's drinkable. I did a blind taste with several other Japanese whiskies and the Fuyu stood out on both the nose and palate as it exhibited a salty, soy, and smoky profile which isn't common with the Japanese whiskies I've come across. What I am used to experiencing is a whisky that's sweeter, fruitier, and paired with a layer of rice and other grains - something I didn't get with Fuyu. Whether or not this is a good thing is purely subjective. Personally, I found this whisky to be an easy drinker with not a whole lot to offer. It was enjoyable in the sense that there was no burn, but unlike other higher rated spirits, Fuyu didn't have a lot going on its profile. NOSE: Malted barley, cereal grains, salt, light soy sauce PALATE: Salt, smoke, nori, brown sugar FINISH: Rice, salt, digestif biscuits Rating: 76/100 Grade: C Below average – drinkable, but better as a mixer / party booze.

Nose - barley scent Taste - tangy at first, flows into bittersweet Finish - burns and tingles left on the tounge and palate for a moment, a bit of vanilla sneaks in there Score - 3.0 Scoring Legend 5.0 - Outstanding, unmatched to others 4.5 - Excellent, I will always keep a bottle in stock if possible 4.0 - Very good, quite enjoyable to drink, can consider as a solid choice 3.5 - Good, would taste again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, able to drink but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—wouldn’t drink again unless I am desperate

If I was given this in a blind tasting I would have definitely guessed that it was a bourbon. Very sweet but otherwise easy to drink. Not the most complex whisky out there (especially for Japanese) but not a bad drink by any means. I was expecting more peat but there was hardly any at all

Just an average-verging-on-not-good "fake" Japanese whisky. Very astringent and with a sweet almost-like-rye profile reminiscent of being aged in young and cheap American Oak that makes it not worth the price - even hiding in cocktails. Would not buy again.

Strong alcohol on the nose, not pleasant. Taste is suprisingly light and neutral despite that. Long finish, almost leather. One of my favorite Japanese whiskeys I’ve had (probably becuase it’s closer to an Irish whiskey than the others).

Light and simple, sweet and savory. It's a good mixing whiskey. For folks looking for something easy to drink and taste, this is pretty good.