SMWS 131.1 The sinful side of sexy

SMWS 131.1 The sinful side of sexy, 22 YO, 57,4 %

This is a whisky from the now closed distillery Hanyu, in Japan. It has been matured in 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel, and aged for 22 years. The total outturn was 212 bottles.

I tasted this whisky at the bar The Society, located on the 25th floor of Park Hotel Tokyo. What better place to try a few Japanese single malts from the society?

Here are the taste notes from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS):

The deeply aromatic nose transports you to the sinful side of sexy (musky perfume, Iranian rugs, sandalwood oil, dirty vanilla, barber shops and humidors). The palate captivates and seduces the taste-buds with mysterious allure - resin, musk, exotic fruits and old cognac.

Nose (23/25): Soft and delicate nose. It is sweet, and you know immediately that this is a mature whisky with confidence. I find oranges, dry and ripe apples, vanilla, fresh saw dust and memories of a dusty attic in an old wooden house.

Taste (23/25): Rich and fruity, light and seductive. Caramel, nuts, and ginger. It is enticingly sweet.

Finish (24/25): The sweetness develops further, more like honey now, with mild spices. Camphor, oranges and nuts. The finish is very long, slightly acidic and a bit dry. Absolutely stunning.

Balance (23/25): This whisky certainly made my day! Something to remember for a long time. First fill bourbon casks can work wonders on the right juice.

Score (93/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas