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Posted: 4/19/2019 11:18:16 AM EDT
@heycoach
Since we got to talking about Nikka in the other thread, let’s talk about some ways to venture off the beaten path in regard to Japanese stuff. Suntory and Kavalan (I know, not Japanese but same ish part of the world) have really been intriguing me lately. Hibiki, hakushu, and Toki have all been taking a beating on my shelf and I need some new bottles to hunt for. So, what’s your go to for Japanese bottled goodness? |
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Posted: 4/19/2019 11:27:24 AM EDT
[#1]
Ha, Toki is the only one I’ve tried. There’s a rural state ran store that has bottles collecting dust.
As far as I can tell I’m the only one that buys them. They’ve had 6 bottles sitting there for a while. |
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Posted: 4/19/2019 11:27:40 AM EDT
[#2]
Not the answer that you are looking for, but I have a bottle of Hibiki that was given to me - haven't opened it yet - what am I in for?
I'm an occasional Scotch drinker - my favorite is the Talisker 18 (good smokiness but no iodine taste). |
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Posted: 4/19/2019 11:38:52 AM EDT
[#3]
I have Hibiki on a couple of occasions and liked it. Tasted a little more smokey like a scotch.
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Posted: 4/19/2019 12:07:15 PM EDT
[#4]
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Posted: 4/19/2019 12:35:44 PM EDT
[#5]
I have the Nikka 12 YO.
When I first opened it, it seemed way over the top in smokiness to me and I could barely drink it. Either it's mellowed or my tastes have changed... Shared some of it with a buddy recently and we both enjoyed the heck out of it. |
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Posted: 4/19/2019 12:57:51 PM EDT
[#6]
The japanese dont fuck around with impressions of white / american / euro culture. Never had one that wasn't better than any scotch or american whiskey for the same price points.
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Posted: 4/19/2019 1:46:14 PM EDT
[#7]
For those that want to dig a bit deeper, there is a great book on Amazon: Whisky Rising
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Posted: 4/19/2019 6:47:54 PM EDT
[#8]
I like the Hibiki 12, I'm not a big Scotch fan, either.
I have a bottle of Toki I will open this weekend, you guys have me curious. The Nikka might be my next bottle bought, from the comments. |
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Posted: 4/19/2019 8:24:38 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The japanese dont fuck around with impressions of white / american / euro culture. Never had one that wasn't better than any scotch or american whiskey for the same price points. |
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Posted: 4/22/2019 3:40:06 PM EDT
[#10]
The Yamazaki 12 and 18 is really good, but it's becoming harder to find, and the price has been skyrocketing for a while now.
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Posted: 4/23/2019 7:00:02 PM EDT
[#11]
The story of Masataka Taketsuru , founder of Nikka is fascinating . What is not as well published is he started his journey, into Whisky with Kotobukiya which would eventually become Suntory . Nikka was formed after their parting of ways
So he is not only considered founder of Nikka but father of ALL Japanese whisky Best in depth ( like 10 parts ! ) of this his fascinating life is here https://www.nomunication.jp/2018/07/03/masataka-taketsuru-journey-to-nikka-whisky/ You can see why the Japanese Whisky ( their Malts ) are outstanding like their Scottish counterpart Nikka from their Yochi distillery is traditional coal fired pot still . What is interesting is their Miyagikyo has both traditional pot stills and a column still ( Coffey ) , which is the style typically used for grain whisky and other spirits They used a unusual production method in their Coffey Malt ( again malts typically done in pot still ) . Their Coffey Grain is OK, the Coffey Malt is fantastic value Even though mash bill is 100% malt, by law cannot be called a malt whisky , since that must be done in pot still . Go figure . Very interesting must try for all Whisky fans Of the Suntory ( Yamakazi, Hibiki , Hakushu ) they all offer a limited but fantastic core range . Never been disappointed ( my BIL goes to Japan couple times a year and brings them back ) , but may of them are trendy now so price has risen accordingly . Nor real great bargains here I have a pretty big Scotch collection and the only other Whisky I have are the Japanese. I have yet to have a ( Kavalan that really interested me ) Taiwan, and quite frankly I would rather have a Scotch than most Irish |
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Posted: 4/23/2019 7:16:25 PM EDT
[#12]
Meh. When I was there my Okinawan friend coveted Johnny Walker.
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Posted: 4/23/2019 7:25:35 PM EDT
[#13]
Hibiki 12 is my go to
Yamazaki 18 is better than most in its price range Its a personal preference, I enjoy Old Pulteney 18 and 21 and Glenmorangie 18 more than the Old Pretentious (Macallan 18). Most people don't know the first thing about good scotch or Whisky, aside from what's on TV, and they just regurgitate... Swirl and sip my glass here quietly...
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Posted: 4/26/2019 7:43:28 PM EDT
[#14]
I'm enjoying my very first pour of Suntory Toki.
Very light for a Apparently it's a blend. Still liking it. |
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Posted: 4/26/2019 8:08:45 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm enjoying my very first pour of Suntory Toki. Very light for a single malt, IMO. |
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Posted: 4/26/2019 8:28:50 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Toki is a blend iirc. I stand corrected. I don't usually go for blends, but this is pretty decent. "A blend of malt and grain....." |
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Posted: 4/27/2019 5:11:20 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So it is, thank you Sir. I stand corrected. I don't usually go for blends, but this is pretty decent. "A blend of malt and grain....." |
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Posted: 4/27/2019 11:41:42 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Toki is Definetly a blend. It isn’t knock your socks off good, but Total Wine sold it for $30 IIRC, and at that price point it becomes much more interesting |
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Posted: 4/28/2019 2:50:33 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm enjoying my very first pour of Suntory Toki. Very light for a Apparently it's a blend. Still liking it. |
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Posted: 4/28/2019 3:27:09 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The japanese dont fuck around with impressions of white / american / euro culture. Never had one that wasn't better than any scotch or american whiskey for the same price points. |
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Posted: 4/29/2019 5:18:03 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Toki was made to be put into highball drinks. Not made for neat pours. YMMV I guess. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I'm enjoying my very first pour of Suntory Toki. Very light for a Apparently it's a blend. Still liking it. Hopefully the cocktails won’t include something strange like most Japanese things. |
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Posted: 4/29/2019 4:41:04 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I like it neat. I’ll have to look up cocktails to make with it. Hopefully the cocktails won’t include something strange like most Japanese things. 1OZ Hentai Rape Porn  Attached FileCurrent line up |
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Posted: 4/30/2019 12:46:28 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
1OZ Toki. 1OZ Hentai Rape Pornhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/247398/EB0D03B1-8963-4373-B9AD-5289FD610F84_jpeg-928752.JPG Current line up Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: I like it neat. I’ll have to look up cocktails to make with it. Hopefully the cocktails won’t include something strange like most Japanese things. 1OZ Hentai Rape Pornhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/247398/EB0D03B1-8963-4373-B9AD-5289FD610F84_jpeg-928752.JPG Current line up |
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Posted: 5/17/2019 10:20:09 PM EDT
[#24]
Bought a bottle of Nikka.
I need to hide that fucker before I drink it all..... DAMN!!!! |
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Posted: 6/30/2019 8:12:28 PM EDT
[#25]
anyone know how to tell when a Yamazuki was bottled?
I have a bottle of 12 year, that ive had for 10-12 years. Can't find a lazer code on the bottle any ideas? |
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Posted: 7/26/2019 6:22:18 PM EDT
[#26]
I've had Yamazaki 12, 18, and 30.
I've been to their actual distillery where you can buy .1ml of the 30 for like $27. I took my wife's portion too. That actually ends up being significantly cheaper than the price of the bottle which is something ridiculous like $4000. Vastly overrated - especially the 30. The 12 is okay for under $100 and I've still got a bottle sitting around. Macallan 18 > Yamazaki 18 and significantly cheaper now. Even better, find "The Whisky Trail" rebottling of Macallan where it's closer to 21 years of age, tastes the same as the Mac 18 and costs about 60% of the price. |
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Posted: 10/23/2019 4:04:25 PM EDT
[#27]
Anyone looking to try a bunch of them, the advent calendars are starting to come out. I have ordered from this place in the past and they are good to go. I just ordered premium version so I am looking forward to it.
Advent Advent-Premium |
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Posted: 10/24/2019 6:10:50 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Anyone looking to try a bunch of them, the advent calendars are starting to come out. I have ordered from this place in the past and they are good to go. I just ordered premium version so I am looking forward to it. Advent Advent-Premium |
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Posted: 12/20/2019 11:15:14 AM EDT
[#29]
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Posted: 12/20/2019 4:29:16 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
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Posted: 12/23/2019 8:45:06 AM EDT
[#31]
I found an unopened/boxed bottle of Suntory Reserve 70th anniversary in my grandfather's stash.
I know nothing about Japanese Whiskey. This stuff was bottled in 1969 and its Sat in the back of a liquor cabinet for 50 years. Anybody here tried it? Worth opening? |
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Posted: 4/5/2020 1:17:52 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I found an unopened/boxed bottle of Suntory Reserve 70th anniversary in my grandfather's stash. I know nothing about Japanese Whiskey. This stuff was bottled in 1969 and its Sat in the back of a liquor cabinet for 50 years. Anybody here tried it? Worth opening? Oh, Man! That's akin to shooting a mint, in the box Python from 1958. However, as I understand it, whiskeys don't necessarily age like a proper wine once they hit the bottle. I think they mellow a bit...but that's about it. One of the experts can chime in with better info. Don't open it until the pros speak out. |
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Posted: 4/5/2020 8:49:10 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Oh, Man! That's akin to shooting a mint, in the box Python from 1958. However, as I understand it, whiskeys don't necessarily age like a proper wine once they hit the bottle. I think they mellow a bit...but that's about it. One of the experts can chime in with better info. Don't open it until the pros speak out. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I found an unopened/boxed bottle of Suntory Reserve 70th anniversary in my grandfather's stash. I know nothing about Japanese Whiskey. This stuff was bottled in 1969 and its Sat in the back of a liquor cabinet for 50 years. Anybody here tried it? Worth opening? Oh, Man! That's akin to shooting a mint, in the box Python from 1958. However, as I understand it, whiskeys don't necessarily age like a proper wine once they hit the bottle. I think they mellow a bit...but that's about it. One of the experts can chime in with better info. Don't open it until the pros speak out. Thanks. Whiskeys don't age in the bottle, but I didn't know if it had any collector value at all. I've got a ton of scotch and bourbon. I wouldn't mind cracking it open and trying it, but figured I'd ask in case I'd be better off giving it to someone who's enjoy it. If it's nothing special it'll sit in the bar until I decide to try it. |
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Posted: 4/5/2020 7:19:04 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks. Whiskeys don't age in the bottle, but I didn't know if it had any collector value at all. I've got a ton of scotch and bourbon. I wouldn't mind cracking it open and trying it, but figured I'd ask in case I'd be better off giving it to someone who's enjoy it. If it's nothing special it'll sit in the bar until I decide to try it. @rob78 I would totally enjoy it! Japanese stuff is my deal, I started this thread Shoot me an IM if it doesn’t suit your fancy? |
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Posted: 4/5/2020 9:08:24 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @rob78 I would totally enjoy it! Japanese stuff is my deal, I started this thread Shoot me an IM if it doesn’t suit your fancy? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Thanks. Whiskeys don't age in the bottle, but I didn't know if it had any collector value at all. I've got a ton of scotch and bourbon. I wouldn't mind cracking it open and trying it, but figured I'd ask in case I'd be better off giving it to someone who's enjoy it. If it's nothing special it'll sit in the bar until I decide to try it. @rob78 I would totally enjoy it! Japanese stuff is my deal, I started this thread Shoot me an IM if it doesn’t suit your fancy? Trying to do some reading on it. Apparently you can age them based on label verbiage and bottle embossing. Pics are below.  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 4/6/2020 10:28:15 PM EDT
[#36]
Anybody got any ideas on the bottle I posted?
Can't find shit online about the "signature card" or anything else. I just know it was made 69 through mid-70's. |
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Posted: 4/7/2020 1:41:54 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Anybody got any ideas on the bottle I posted? Can't find shit online about the "signature card" or anything else. I just know it was made 69 through mid-70's. Quote HistoryQuoted: Anybody got any ideas on the bottle I posted? Can't find shit online about the "signature card" or anything else. I just know it was made 69 through mid-70's. Reserve This Suntory Special Reserve was launched in 1969 to commemorate Suntory’s 70th anniversary. Every batch released has a new label and recipe, making each vintage one of a kind. For collectors of rare bottles, this is a special find. |
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Posted: 4/7/2020 1:41:59 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Anybody got any ideas on the bottle I posted? Can't find shit online about the "signature card" or anything else. I just know it was made 69 through mid-70's. @rob78 I wish I knew. I’m sure we have done the same cursory google searches, but it’s a sweet bottle regardless. I didn’t see anything indicating it is worth insane money, but who knows with how the Japanese market is right now. |
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Posted: 4/7/2020 3:38:01 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistorySaw that. That bottle is an 80's vintage based on the special blend description on the label.
Trying to figure out when it was bottled. |
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Posted: 4/7/2020 3:40:32 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @rob78 I wish I knew. I’m sure we have done the same cursory google searches, but it’s a sweet bottle regardless. I didn’t see anything indicating it is worth insane money, but who knows with how the Japanese market is right now. "Rare blend" on the label indicates that its a mid-70's or earlier, but that's all I can find. Can't find anything online regarding the "signature card" around the neck. |
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Posted: 4/9/2020 10:43:45 PM EDT
[#41]
I have a bottle of Yamazaki 12, and I've had the Nikka Coffey Grain / Malt, and Hibiki 12. The Yamazaki and Coffey Malt are my favorites
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Posted: 4/9/2020 10:50:05 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I like it neat. I’ll have to look up cocktails to make with it. Hopefully the cocktails won’t include something strange like most Japanese things. Make yourself a Japanese Old Fashioned. Toki would be great for that. |
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Posted: 4/24/2020 2:08:13 AM EDT
[#43]
On my third bottle of Nikka. I gotta stop buying that stuff. Damn it is CLASSY!
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Posted: 5/3/2020 11:29:19 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By OR15: I have 18 different bottles. Haven't tried them all yet. Most are excellent. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/153986/whiskey_jpg-917728.JPG  Had some Hibiki last weekend. Favorite is the Nikka Grain Coffey |
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Posted: 6/11/2020 12:06:43 AM EDT
[#45]
Now, for those who like a STRONGER flavored Scotch type whiskey, the Nikka Pure Malt does NOT screw around. It's almost the polar opposite of Coffey Grain. If your tongue was a puppy..it would be beaten.
Strong, super Scotchy, deep flavor...with lots of smoke...and that unmistakable Japanese smoothness. |
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Posted: 10/15/2020 8:12:58 PM EDT
[#46]
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Posted: 10/16/2020 11:04:15 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thread resurrection! What is this and do I need it and not even know it? https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/399736/9A87134B-75BC-4CC8-A8CF-69B45DABEB3D_jpe-1637737.JPG Personally? I would pass on that. I’ve been attempting to branch out a bit with non Suntory or Nikka labels, and haven’t found a ton of success. Mars that I have tried reminded me more of a weird take on bourbon. |
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Posted: 10/16/2020 11:08:13 AM EDT
[#48]
Toki is the only one I've tried. I like it for what it is, and am slowly going through the bottle at my house. I'll most likely buy another.
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Posted: 10/16/2020 11:56:12 AM EDT
[#49]
Toki at the $28-32 range is the only one ive had
if you like Japanese whiskey, try Japanese rice vodka. smoother and a little sweeter than the "normal" vodka |
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Posted: 10/16/2020 9:51:44 PM EDT
[#50]
Bought a few bottles a couple months ago to try ,but haven’t gotten around to trying yet
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