Tenjaku Japanese Whisky

This well constructed (maybe because it tastes balanced), high value-to-price Japanese whiskey with no age statement boasts a pleasantly perfumey, old-and-new wood character with an oddly pleasant, slightly medicinal wood alcohol overtone that reminds me of Macallan Edition 4. (Maybe it's Edition 3, because it's hard to remember which is which. I've had 3, 4 and possibly number 1.) It doesn't bother me that the aromas and flavors aren't complex. I don't have the sensory apparatus nuances like "hint of Scottish whimsy and berry-mincemeat fruit pie," only strong (bold and overpowering, even) aromas and tastes. Macallan Editions compare favorably against this Japanese whiskey -- a huge compliment to the distiller, since it runs only about $35 in Michigan vs. over $105 (yes, an oddly specific price, but it's what I remember being quoted by the store owner) for any Macallan Edition as of Fall, 2021. Overall I've had only good experiences with whiskey from Japan! (Taster's word to the wise: you should try the vast landscape of sakis, because the overly strong, sense-blasting dreck they sell here for sake is such a poor imitation, it may be only a toenail off the skeleton of the huge range that exists!) Hibiki's Toki is on my potential "daily drinkers" list. Hibiki Japanese Harmony is of course the best under $85-100 here, and three bottles later I stand by that statement with boots firmly planted in the mud, or earth, or even in a river! I've been told the 21-year is incredibly tasty, complex and amazing in every way.

Nose: Raincoat plastic, linen, a little rubbery, some leafy/grassy notes, unripe pear, maybe a tiny bit of that laphroaig band-aid smell. Some soft green grapey notes. Palate: sweeter than expected, quite round. Agree with banana bread note from MoM, pretty creamy as well. Slightest bit of pepper. Finish: Have to hand it to MoM, they nailed it with the ‘creamy oak spice and floral elderflower’ description of the finish. Overall: why are people shitting on this online? I think it’s pretty alright! I don’t mind the rubbery nose at all, and think the palate’s nice if you’re in the mood for something on its way to being sweet without being cloying. Another nice surprise, would be cool to taste this at a higher ABV. It might be a little thin, but I’d drink it again! Had this after the Hatozaki Pure Malt and it was a nice sweet antidote to the pepper.

This is a nice whisky, but overall it's not as smooth as the other Japanese whiskies I have tried. It has a light character throughout, so I bet it isn't aged that long. The nose is pretty subtle with some fruit, and floral notes. It remains light on the palate with a little bit of sweetness as well. The finish is not particularly long, and it's not as smooth as other Japanese whiskies. Tenjaku is alright on its own, but I bet it would be a really good whisky to mix with as well.

Suprisingly mellow and sweet, this Japanese blend. A nose of ginger and vanilla, smoked salmon (but in a good way) and a hint of 'an old vinyl record case'. Extremely soft on the tongue, but lacks a bit of taste when still in the mouth. Slight hint of liquorice and ginger, topped of with vanilla sugar. Very smooth. No burn at all. The flavour comes later: nice aftertaste of light beer, vanilla and pancake. Very easy to drink, great for every day.

Pear and butterscotch on the nose for this one. I also get floral notes, very strong ones overall, but I cannot pinpoint anything directly. A little bit of liquor smell? Maybe. When I taste this, I can definitely tell that it is rather light and almost, airy. I find it difficult to pinpoint anything specific. Herbal notes for sure, but its a mystery for me.

Nose after resting: pear, papaya, pineapple, apple, ginger, subtle nose. Citrus, some savory spice, vanilla Taste: begins with sweet orchard fruit, moves from there to tropical fruit, orange, then to a spicy, vanilla, tropical, peppery finish.