Karuizawa 1988
Single Malt - Japan - 59.30% 8 Sherry masks the distillery character. Fine if you are a big fan. That sickening sweetness with water added is questionable.

Karuizawa 1988 Cask 3397
Single Malt - Japan - 59.80% 7 The nose does not say it all. The old man is still sprightly.

Karuizawa 1992 Cask 5978
Single Malt - Japan - 62.80% 7 A sharp character which needs a good dash of water. Quite refreshing.

Karuizawa 1993
Single Malt - Japan - 60.10% 7 A herbal tea for those who like it hot and pungent. Lovely nose. Good balance. Definitely needs water to tame the strength.

Karuizawa Noh Series 1995 13 Years Old Cask 5004
Single Malt - Japan - 63.00% 7 Rare steak anyone?

Kirin 18 Years Old
Single Malt - Japan - 43.00% 7 Pretty, light in body, with the smoky/savoury element providing interest.

Kirin 18 Years Old, Fuji-Sanroku
Single Malt - Japan - 43.00% 8 For those who like cider rather sour than sweet! interesting combination for a whisky cooler. A refreshing aperitif.

Mercian 1987 Single Cask
Single Malt - Japan - 58.70% 7 More complex than the younger vintage.

Mercian Single Cask, 1991
Single Malt - Japan - 62.80% 7 Pleasant. Could be slightly rounder.

Miyagikyo 10 Years Old
Single Malt - Japan - 45.00% 7 Nose is more attractive than the palate. Lacks elegance and cohesion.

Miyagikyo 1987, Cask No. 60236
Single Malt - Japan - 61.00% 7 How can whisky leave its signature behind that thick oak panelling? No chance.

Miyagikyo 1987, Cask no. 89714
Single Malt - Japan - 61.00% 7 Another example of sherry domination. Where's the balance?

Miyagikyo 1990 19 Years Old
Single Malt - Japan - 61.00% 7 Funny enough,that strong dram is better neat. But give it time.

Miyagikyo 1991, Cask No. 117705
Single Malt - Japan - 61.00% 7 Quite a nice refreshing dram when generously diluted.

Miyagikyo 22 Years Old 1986 Single Cask
Single Malt - Japan - 63.00% 8 The soft juicy Miyagikyo shows its darkside.

Miyagikyo No Age
Single Malt - Japan - 43.00% 7 Not at its best.

Miyagikyo Single Cask Sendai, 1990
Single Malt - Japan - 60.60% 7 The orangey colour suggests some sherry. Nikka's Sendai distillery has in this instance produced a nuttier, maltier style of whisky than Yoichi.

Nikka Black 8 Years Old
Single Malt - Japan - 40.00% 7 Easy-going, well-balanced. To be enjoyed as a refreshment with water and ice.

Nikka Single Coffey Malt
Single Malt - Japan - 55.00% 7 Layers of seductive soft fruitiness. A malt made in a Coffey still? Why the hell not!

Sendai 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Japan - 45.00% 8 A totally different style from Yoichi malts. A very enjoyable, sweet, pick me up. After a round of golf?

The Whisky Exchange Spirit of Asama
Single Malt - Japan - 55.00% 7 Unfortunately, very one-dimensional.

Tsuru
Single Malt - Japan - 43.00% 8

Yamazaki 10 Years Old
Single Malt - Japan - 40.00% 7 A charming summery dram. The perfect “herbal tea” to savour while gazing at the moonlit sky.

Yamazaki 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Japan - 43.00% 7 This was a pioneering malt in Japan, for which Suntory deserve great credit.

Yamazaki 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Japan - 43.00% 7 A pioneering malt in Japan, for which Suntory deserve great credit. In its early days, it was rounded and delicate, as though wary of offending anyone. Now it is more intense, confident and elegant.