Suntory san

Sigh.

Ask a teetotaller to buy you a bottle of whisky and she can completely screw up the alcoholic assignment. And this is after you SMS her the exact wordings on the label.

Having recently been converted to the taste of Japanese 'Scotch', I had asked for a bottle of Suntory's Single Malt Yamazaki, 12 years, to be purchased from Narita.



Instead, I got a bottle of its Royal Blended Blue Label, 15 years.



Older bottle better no?, she says. Its not just about the age girl.

Well, Suntory's Royal blend of whiskies was launched to commemorate its 60th Anniversary way back in 1960. And I read that the company is justifiably proud of this excellent blend. It may not be Single-malt but the giant beverage conglomerate has supposedly blended the fermented grains to perfection.

Having taken a swig of it only just, I must concur. Simple, unfussy flavors when it first hits your palate. Then gently deepening into a sensuous, oakey complex befitting a good ole Scotch from the highlands.

Kan pai!

The Glad-Liver

When one starts to do whisky reviews, in addition to wine critiques, you know its the alcohol talking =))



I just opened my 2nd bottle of Single Malt scotch in a month, a Glenlivet 12. After having finished the Macallan 10 just 2 nights ago. And thanks to Sam who got it for me, duty free, I don't have to continue with the 2 bottles of crappy Jack Daniels and Chivas I have lying on my shelf. We'll save those for the Coke ya? =))

My mum will be heartbroken to know that I have fallen into the footsteps of my late father. A Whisky a day, keeps your Demons at bay =P

Anyway, some comments from Martine and Dave from Whisky Magazine (online)...

Martine Nouet

Nose : Floral and malty. Ivy. Sweet cereals. Fresh paint. Cedar. Polished floors. A touch of marzipan. Apples in puff pastry. Buttery.
Palate : Fresh and minty. Quite chewy. Spices emerge but not excessively so. A splash of water brings out flavours.
Finish : Satisfying, warm and spicy.
Comment : A pleasant any-time dram. Very refreshing.

Dave Broom

Nose : Lifted. Apple wood, heather, baked soft fruits mixed with cereal, citrus and pear. In time there’s notes of freshly-sawn wood, freesia and dried orange peel. Complex but light as well.
Palate : Light and fragrant. All the notes on the nose come through. Medium-bodied and gentle.
Finish : Dry and clean.
Comment : Right back on form. Is some more mature stock being blended in?

And I agree with Martine. A splash of mountain fresh Evian on the rocks to tickle the Hic-buds is mighty fine...=)