Japan | NYC Whiskey Review

Toki Cocktail Series #2 – High Ball

October 30, 2024 Japan

Toki is produced by Suntory and is a blend of their Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita whiskey’s. It is a clean tasting whiskey but does not have any real complexity or interesting flavor profile. I find it a little boring and too rough to drink neat or on the rocks. In my opinion, Suntory created this as a cocktail mixer so I thought I would put it to the test with a series of Toki Cocktails.

Toki Cocktail Series #2 – High Ball

2.0 oz Toki Whiskey
¼ part Honey Syrup
Grapefruit Bitters
Slice of Grapefruit

Well, this tasted like absolute fucking dog shit. I will admit, I did not have grapefruit bitters. But I was not going to spend $20 for a bottle of bitters to go with a $35 bottle of whiskey. I substituted half orange and half regular bitters, but that was not the main problem. The grapefruit did not help either due to the bitterness of grapefruit. Toki’s flavor profile does not work for me when I am used to high proof rye or bourbon Old Fashioneds.

I am tapping out on this series of Toki cocktails. I don’t like the taste of Toki and I am not trying another cocktail. In 2025 I will revisit better cocktails.

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

If you like it, drink it!

Chichibu On the Way (Cask Strength)

September 26, 2024 Japan

Name: Chichibu On the Way (Cask Strength)

Color: Light Gold

Nose: Alcohol, pears, apples

Taste: Strong alcohol, pears, sweetness, light smoke

I tried this whisky at a tasting hosted by Dominic Roskrow in the Flatiron district in NYC. Dominic was in town promoting his new book on Japanese whisky and I highly recommend the book. It clearly explains Japanese whisky and has great insight to the country, distilleries, and various bottles. That night we sampled a variety of whiskies and I enjoyed almost all of them, but this one I had a little trouble enjoying. This bottle is cask strength and is so strong I could barely nose the whisky and the taste was just as difficult to determine. I was very surprise that a whisky from Japan was this strong. There was no real balance to the spirit, just a big bite.

My personal preference is not to drink cask strength whisky. I have had many good ones, but they can be too much on the senses and can quickly become too much on my head. The “On the Way” was too strong for me even after I cut it with water a few times. Even after I cut it, I was really stuck on the taste the alcohol. I am not a fan of playing chemist with my whisky. A drop of water or an ice cube is the most effort I want to put into my glass and when I cut whisky, expect the whisky to soften.

As I have mentioned in previous reviews, Japanese whisky is very popular right now and everyone is drinking it. There are many types, levels of strength, and a wide range of price so I will consider this the first one I did not enjoy and I am surprised I did not like it. The strength of the spirit was expected, but the real shock was the price.

A bottle will cost approximately $260. For that price, I would expect a lot more flavor that I could detect and enjoy as I sipped my dram. As I say, if you like it, drink it, but, for me this whisky is not something I could enjoy and I would not pay this price for a bottle this strong.

If you like it, drink it! – Chris

If you like it, drink it!

Suntory Whisky – Toki

April 6, 2023 Japan

Name: Suntory Whisky – Toki

Color: Gold

Nose: Light malt, flowers, fresh oak, white fruits

Taste: Honey, malt, oak wood, white pepper

In the Japanese world of whisky Suntory is considered “first authentic Japanese whisky” as it was specifically created for lighter taste of the Japanese. Prior to the creation of there whisky they were dependent solely on imports from the UK and USA. The distillery was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923 and it’s first released was Shirofuda in 1929 and was not well received. In 1937 they released their Kakubin and it was very well received.

The name Toki translates to “time” in Japanese, and it is a blend of Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita which are all under Suntory’s control. The taste is clean but does not have a lot of complexity or exotic flavors. It is smooth with a little creamy finish. It is a good baseline whisky but it appears to be marketed a cocktail mixer for the price vs. taste. I get the feeling this is the left over stuff from the three distilleries put into one bottle to squeeze out a bit more production.

Suntory is a massive company. As of 2022, they currently have following whisky distilleries under their control:

Jim Beam Bourbon & Rye, Maker’s Mark, Old Grand-Dad, Old Crow, Baker’s, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, Knob Creek Bourbon & Rye, Old Overholt, Rī1, Kessler, Beam’s Eight Star, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Ardmore, Auchentoshan, Teacher’s Highland Cream, Irish Whiskey,The Tyrconnell, Connemara, Greenore, Kilbeggan, 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey, Alberta Premium, Canadian Club, Tangle Ridge, Windsor Canadian, DYC Whisky, Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, Oaksmith Gold Whisky, Chita, and Toki. Plus 29 other various types of liquor distilleries and companies under their management. Impressed yet? I was when I read this list.

Priced around $45 and is an affordable Japanese baseline whisky to try or as a summer mixer.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Nikka Single Malt Miyagikyo

February 23, 2021 Japan

Name: Nikka Single Malt Miyagikyo

Color: Amber

Nose: Fresh light fruit, honey, malted barley with light oak

Taste: Medium body, lighter fruit, spices with soft smoke

Review:

Japanese whiskys have been on the rise over the last few years as many may have noticed. Ironically, there has not been a large media campaign in the USA with respect to product placement in film and television. I have noticed over the years when a liquor product is used in media you find people drinking the following week. Remember Mad Men in 2009? I can only think of two movies that had Japanese whisky in a scene; “Lost in Translation” and the “Wolverine” so the big interest developing in the USA must mean one thing, whisky from Japan is very good.

When I say “very good”, I mean they are excellent and do not taste like shit, however, that can come at a price for some bottles from Japan but not this one. This whiskey is delicious, light, well balanced, interesting exotic fruit and subtle wood/smoke flavor. I really enjoyed this one and I highly recommend it.

Very well priced and a great value ranging between $80-110 depending on where you find it.

Note:

Due to growing demand of Japanese whiskies, the age statement is starting to go away. Non Aged Statement (NAS) is taking over because of production needs. Do not let this stop you from trying this whiskey or any other whiskey.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky

January 12, 2021 Japan

Name: Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky

Color: Light amber/gold

Nose: Vanilla, nuts, spices and light grains

Taste: Light grains and spice vanilla with a smooth but light finish.

Review:

My first introduction to this whisky was at Robin Robinsons Irish v. Japanese Whisky Smack Down at the Astor Center in NYC and I was impressed. I have to say, Japan won that day against Ireland.

I had heard of Japanese whisky before and seen it in movies but this was the first time I was tasting it. I was impressed by the flavor and balance of this spirit. The whiskys made in Japan have multiple levels of quality and cost but for someone who wants to try on for the first time this would be the starter in my opinion. It is smooth and stands on and is a great value. I highly recommend this one on taste and value.

Price ranges $60-70.

If you like it, drink it!

Kikori Whiskey

May 5, 2020 Japan

Name: Kikori Whiskey

Color: Light Yellow

Nose: Soft, flowers, grass

Taste: Grainy, sweetness, flowers

Review:

I stopped by the Astor Wine Store to try Kikori Whiskey a few weeks ago at one of their “one and done” Friday night whiskey tastings. Kikori is made with rice and it was my first time trying a whiskey created from rice so I was very interested to experience the flavor.

Kikori is from Japan and is aged in American, French and ex-sherry oak barrels for three years. It is distilled with rice and water from Kumamoto and is bottled at 82 proof. Kumamoto is best known for its oysters and the Grand Central Oyster Bar has them on the menu. However, it is noted that the oysters are sourced from Oregon and Baja, Mexico so they appear to be farmed raised.

A usual, all whiskey today needs a story. On the side of the bottle the romantic marketing write up tells source of inspiration for Kikori. It is a folk tale about a woodsman wandering the forest seeking balance and harmony. I am going to guess that company did not wander the woods to find the balance but paid a marketing agency for this romantic tale (insert eye roll here).

The taste of the whiskey is different than most I have tried due to the rice. It stands out, but when it comes to the flavor profile, Kikori tastes exactly as it is written on the side of the bottle. This is ok, but it does not allow much for the drinker to discover. Kikori is a nice whiskey, but it is more of mixing whiskey for creating craft cocktails. It is not really a whiskey I could drink neat or on the rocks.

Price around $50 and has a different taste and would be good for mixer.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Yame Eight Goddesses 10 Year Whisky

February 20, 2020 Japan

Name: Yame Eight Goddesses 10 Year Whisky

Color: Gold Nose: Vanilla, light fruit, honey

Taste: Sweet, citrus, caramel

Review: Yame 10 is blended from whiskies matured in oak for 10-13 years inspired by the mythical Yametsu Hime. Yametsu was said to protect the scenic mountainous beauty of the Yame Region.

Yame 10 is bottled at 42% abv and is designed for American markets. I do not like that “designed for market” statement that I read from some whiskey makers. It reeks of Made Men advertising bullshit. When I hear or read that statement it reminds me of my friend in Madrid, Spain owns a wine shop and is a distributor. She told me once that when it comes to Spanish red wine, “We keep our good stuff here and ship the crap to America”. Yame comes from the Kitaya Distillery form the Kyushu region of Japan. Inspired by a mythology translates to “let’s make some shit up that sounds good”. I would write more but I was not really impressed so I do not want to waste your time or mine. Yame is ok but has been made for a market and most likely for cocktails. Price around $65 and good stuff but I have had better Japanese Whiskeys (Nikka for the price). You be the judge.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Sherry Cask

August 8, 2019 Japan

Name: The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Sherry Cask

Color: Cherry red

Nose: Plum, cherries, and sherry sweetness

Taste: Dry plum, cherry, chocolate, sherry

Review:

My first reaction to this whisky was “Holy shit this stuff is good!” and as it should be, it was rated “Best Whiskey in the World 2015”. The opportunity to sample this whisky was a surprise at the end of a Japanese tasting hosted by Dominic Roskrow at Union Square Wines in NYC. I recommend his books and tastings at the store if you are interested and live in the area.

I could tell you all about the history and process of making this whisky and explain the rating it received, but there are plenty of articles about it so I will not waste your time. I will be discussing the price as this is the most expensive whisky I have every tasted and is well out of my price range. Whisky’s like this have a simple economic problem that drives the price. There is a limited amount created, everyone wants it, bottles are drunk, supply runs low, and the price goes up. Is it worth it? Yes, but can you afford it? Most of us cannot since we are not part of the 1% crowd. It is more likely the person who buys this whisky will charter Blade for a private helicopter ride to the Hamptons this summer than a ticket on the Jitney bus. For those not in the NYC area, that means you need cash to burn.

I cannot imagine every buying a bottle that cost 2x my first car (1979 Jeep CJ7). If you enjoy a sherry finish to you whisky, I would suggest the following whisky’s that are more affordable:

Aberlour A’Bunadh (Approx $125)

Macallan Double Cask 12 (Approx $60)

Tomatin 12 year Old (Approx $40)

I have read that the A’Bunadh is comparable to the Yamazaki, but I have a bottle at home and I have to disagree. It is very good and has some similarities but when you compare Japanese whisky to Scotch, you are comparing apples to oranges.

This whisky is amazing and worth trying or buying, but it is currently $3,500 to $4,000 a bottle and increasing.

If you can find it, if you can afford it, you should drink it!

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

December 16, 2018 Japan

Name: Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

Color: Light amber/gold

Nose: Vanilla, nuts, spices and light grains

Taste: Light grains and spice vanilla with a smooth but light finish.

Review:

My first introduction to this whisky was at Robin Robinsons Irish v. Japanese Whisky Smack Down at the Astor Center in NYC and I was impressed. I had heard of Japanese whisky before and seen it in movies but this was the first time I was tasting it. I was impressed by the flavor and balance of this spirit. The whisky’s made in Japan have multiple levels of quality and cost but for someone who wants to try on for the first time this would be the starter in my opinion. It is smooth and stands on and is a great value.

I highly recommend this one on taste and value. Price ranges $60-70.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Nikka Pure Malt

October 4, 2017 Japan

Name: Nikka Pure Malt Whiskey

Color: Medium Brown

Nose: Light fruits, peat, and malt

Taste: Apples/pears, spice, peat, and smoke

Review:

The first sip of Nikka’s Pure Malt reminded me of Scotch Whisky from the Highlands. The flavor profile is smoky, peaty, but well balanced and on the lighter side. I found this to be a lovely combination if you are a fan of Scotch and Japanese styled whisky.

The exact fruit is a little difficult to detect among the peat/smoke/malt profile, but after a few sips it comes out. The fruit profile is more white fruits such as apples and pears. I would have expected more exotic black fruits, but when I think about it the combination of black fruits, smoke, peat and malt sounds like a tough receipt to get right.

Pure Malt is a blended non-aged stated (NAS) whisky. Nikka Distillery states that the average age of their whiskies is 10 years. I believe this because I choose to believe it, but to be very honest, marketing it where the “truth lies” as they said in Mad Men. The blends are stated to be Miyagikyo malt whisky and some Yoichi whisky with Miyagikyo making up a high percentage of the blend. Pure Malt is aged in sherry butts, bourbon barrels, and new America oak casks.

“Pure” means “balanced” with respect to flavor when it comes to Nikka’s standards of production. As mentioned in previous reviews, Japan makes great whiskey. It is your choice to enjoy this spirit neat, dash of water, or on the rocks. I would not recommend making cocktails out of Pure Malt. Good whiskey does not need to be mixed to be creative in your glass. The master distiller was already been creative, it is your turn to enjoy

Priced around $65 and worth the money.

If you like it, drink it! – Christopher

If you like it, drink it!

Toki Cocktail Series #2 – High Ball

Chichibu On the Way (Cask Strength)

Suntory Whisky – Toki

Nikka Single Malt Miyagikyo

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky

Kikori Whiskey

Yame Eight Goddesses 10 Year Whisky

Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Sherry Cask

Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

Nikka Pure Malt

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