Disclaimer: I don’t claim to be able to discern every flavor under the sun. This is just a tasting from an enthusiast.

Suntory World Whisky is something that only a company with a huge portfolio of different whiskies worldwide can do. Suntory really stepped up to the plate here with a 5,000 yen (excluding tax) 700ml bottle.

As of the time of writing, this blend can only be bought by Japanese residents, effectively, one can only buy it, in limited quantities, if one lives in Japan. Shops either ask for proof of residence or they only send it to your house, no cash and carry purchases allowed.

In any case, I got my grubby hands on a bottle from Takashimaya, Shinjuku (delivered to my apartment actually).

When you open the beautifully made box, you get the 5 sided bottle (I believe representing the 5 types of whiskies blended within), and a useful manual actually providing ways to drink in order to elucidate the different flavors locked within.

In any case, I pour a dram (neat) and had a taste. Here are my impressions.

Nose: Notes of caramel sweetness wafts out. It bears a resemblance to the Hibiki blends (certainly not a bad thing). I also get a little hint of bourbon sweetness coming from the Jim Beam heritage. I could also smell pleasant woodiness. As i drank more, the green apple freshness of the Hakushu heritage sprang out at me. Appetising stuff.

Palate: Green apple freshness coupled with the sweetness that remains on your tongue. Other flavors exist that I cannot describe due to my lack of experience 😦

Finish: A little bit of spiciness down the throat, with a lingering woody smell coupled with a hint of smoke. The fruitiness also carries over here. Medium length finish.

Thoughts: I have no regrets getting this for the asking price. I really hope Suntory can maintain their stocks while churning this stuff out. Stonkingly good, fantastic at the price of 5000 yen.

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