Hatozaki Pure Malt Japanese Whisky

Nose: pine, juniper, liquorice, some of the sweaty notes from the Hatozaki blended that have now sharpened up a bit. Pepper, resin, pencil shavings. Bitter lemon. Some toffee? Glazed meat? Palate: Really fills out compared to the Hatozaki blended. Much more full, but still zesty and peppery. Slightly herbal and grassy, with lime and tart fruits. A little bit of dry oakiness to it, some salted nuts. Burnt toast, a little bonfire smoke. Any sweetness is vanilla, I’d say. Finish: Smokey, a little woody. Overall: I really like that it’s zesty and spicy and refreshing, but a little more sweetness could have balanced it out a bit better. Love the resinous notes on the nose though, and as it opens it does become a little less sharp.

Nose: Sweet, dried fruit, malt loaf, honey, aromatic, woody Palate: Rich, malt loaf, aromatic spices, dried fruit, vanilla, lightly smoky. Creamy mouthfeel Finish: Medium short finish. Malt, cigar smoke, malt loaf, honey. Sweet and souring aftertaste. Malt loaf, sweet, light smoke and aromatic. Quite enjoyable for 1-2 drams, but not much more than that. Generally OK.

Interesting nose. Sandalwood. Dry grass and celery. Strangely, I also get a blue cheese note. The palette is restrained, even with a drop of water. It's dry and warm, with grapefruit, a subtle vanilla and a malty funk. The finish is short with a lingering sweetness and a wisp of smoke.

Not so bad. Delicate, floral, toffee and berries to taste. A small sharp edge can be found. When you add a splash of water, the whiskey opens up like a flower. With water (3.5) points. Perfect pair with afternoon cup of coffee.

It's different. Kind of smells and tastes like a mezcal when neat. 2 drops of water made it better. Had a little salty smell and taste. Not bad.

Delightful lack of coloring is easily mistaken for lack of maturity, but what it really resembles is easily drinkable afternoon white wine.