Kikori Whiskey

Nose - Very clean soft grainy sweetness, light floral, light grass, hints of sake, 7up or a flat lemon/lime/citrus soda Taste - Sweet grainy sweetness, like a sweet filtered sake, gentle sugarcane "funk", hints of flat lemon/lime soda, gentle heat, light citrusy bitter, ginger beer fizz Finish - Lingering filtered sake vibe, gentle ginger beer/7up/Sprite vibe, lemon/pomelo zest pops right at the end Score - 79/100 Final Thoughts - The initial color on this one was quite light, but I've learned that lack of color does not necessarily mean lack of flavor. The nose on this one immediately screamed grain whisky to me and upon further nosing, it started to lean more towards a sake vibe, so I assumed it was a rice whisky. I did get hints of this rum/sugarcane "funk" so maybe a rum cask finish? On the palate the sugarcane "funk" continues along with this fizzy feeling from the heat, but a flat ginger beer/7up flavor. The finish on this one is surprisingly long, like a very filtered sake served warm with some flat 7up, which sounds pretty bad, but isn't that bad. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - Probably not NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

It is not your usual whisky, but not bad. Your expectations need to be altered to enjoy it. My first taste was somewhat unpleasant, because I was not expecting what I was getting. It had a saki flavor and a flower like smell- not a usual whisky. It had no peat smokiness or wood taste. My second try, I was ready. I enjoyed the smoother refreshing taste. I visualized clean running spring water. A light delicate whisky with flavors of rice and may be blossoms?

Not what I was expecting from a Japanese whiskey, which is a good thing. I've only tasted a handful some of which I feel were overpriced for the quality. But this one is great, full of flavor (nose and palate), the mouthfeel is very silky with a tad bit of sharpness on the finish. I don't like licorice much but that subtle hint of it with the apple flavor is pretty exquisite.

The first thing that comes to mind and that I can’t shake is chocolate covered cherry. More emphasis on the cherry than the chocolate. Definitely finished with notes of vanilla and licorice. It’s very light and diluted quickly with an ice block. Might make an interesting old fashioned for someone who doesn’t like bourbon.

Super pale color and a very oily texture. It’s got a super light nose, very floral and delicate. The same can be said of the palette except for an almost candy-like finish that reminds me of taffy. Just a subtle cocoa note as well. Overall, it’s one of the better examples of inexpensive Japanese craft whiskey.

Honestly, not a big fan of this one. Really light and does not feel like a whisky at all tbh (although by definition it is). You can definitely taste the rice but besides that not too much else going for it. For the price, you can find much better. I will not be repurchasing this again.