TOP-FLIGHT TASTING Flavorful Expressions of the East At the Forefront of Japanese These leading single malts and blends coming from Japan reveal world-class craftsmanship and refinement through a harmony of flavors.

SMOKY Suntory1 Japanese Hibiki2 Toki ® Harmony ®

Hakushu 12 Year Old RICH LIGHT Yamakazi 12 Year Old Harmony

Suntory Toki

SMOOTH

Yamazaki3 ® Hakushu4 ® 12 Year Old 12 Year Old

In association with Shown in suggested tasting order. Find more tasting mats at Whiskyadvocate.com/clubs TOP-FLIGHT TASTING At the Forefront of Japanese Whisky Use this page for your personal tasting notes.

1. Japanese Whisky Toki® Nose The clear gold whisky is silky and fruity, with subtle notes of peppermint, green Palate apple, white pepper, and ginger. Can be enjoyed in many different ways, but best Finish matches with Highballs. ABV: 43% My Rating

2. Hibiki Japanese Harmony® Nose This harmonious blend of numerous malt and grain is delicate and luminous, Palate with notes of lychee, rosemary, honey, and candied orange peel, among others. Finish ABV: 43% My Rating

3. Yamazaki ® 12 Year Old Nose The pioneer of Japanese single malt, there’s an aroma of soft fruit, peaches, Palate pineapples, and grapefruit. The palate offers coconut, cranberry, and butter, Finish with hints of Mizunara (Japanese oak) throughout. My Rating ABV: 43%

® 4. Hakushu 12 Year Old Nose A revelation among Japanese single malts, this champagne gold whisky is floral and Palate herbal on the nose, with hints of basil and pine needle. The palate shows sweet pear Finish and mint, leading into a slightly smoky finish. ABV: 43% My Rating

In association with Shown in suggested tasting order. Find more tasting mats at Whiskyadvocate.com/clubs TOP-FLIGHT TASTING At the Forefront of Japanese Whisky

Japanese whisky has burst onto the scene in the last few years. Today, the single malts coming out of Yamazaki (as well as Hakushu Though it may seem like a new sensation, the Japanese actually have a Distillery) are as well-regarded and coveted as any from Scotland: soft long history with whisky making, starting with the establishment of the and fruity, with hints of Mizunara oak and smoke, and tons of complexity. in 1924. Though for most of the 20th century they Suntory’s Toki® and Hibiki Japanese Harmony® blends—using grain exclusively made blends, that all changed in 1984 with the launch of whiskies from the —continue to break new ground with a Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki® 12 Year Old and then Yamazaki® harmony of flavors that are perfect for a tasting, sipping neat, or in the 18Year Old in 1992. country’s beloved Highballs.

Tasting Tips for Club Members Nosing: Color: alcohol heat. Swirl or “chew” the whisky Inhale with an open mouth so you Appreciate the color, which might tell and let it disappear. don’t put your nose to sleep. you about the wood used to finish the whisky. Avoid added caramel, which Adding Water: Swirl Gently: could hide the truth. Add water to open the nose, but only Just coat the bottom third of the glass. after you’ve tasted neat; add only a Not a big swirl, as with wine. The Warming: drop or two at a time. alcohol in whisky will evaporate just Feel free to hold the glass in your hand fine at its own pace. and warm it up a bit. You’ll get more Flights: aroma and possibly boost the flavor. Having several expressions around Food and Water: a theme can develop a greater Snack before the tasting and drink Time: appreciation of the varieties of whisky. water to keep yourself hydrated. Slow down. Many whiskies develop Nothing too spicy; nothing too sweet. new flavors and complexity if you wait Progressive Order: before the next sip: appreciate the finish. Makes a huge difference in your Glasses: appreciation of each expression. Smaller tulip-shaped glasses are good See, Sip, Swirl: Light to rich; least to most sweet; for aroma and nosing. Tumblers, Look at the color, then swirl and sniff the no smoke to smokiest. Highball and cocktail glasses serve whisky to see what the aroma reveals. their purpose also. Watch Glasses: Compare: Help to hold in the aroma. Very handy Keep Notes: Having a variety of expressions is fun. if you’re tasting multiple expressions Appreciate what you’re tasting and Comparing notes with friends is even more over time and want to go back and record it. Your impressions might fun. compare. change next time you taste. Clean Glasses: Flavor Maps: Take Pictures: Rinse and dry between expressions. Flavor maps are a fun way to measure Use your phone or device to remember The previous whisky could interfere your comparative whisky tastings. As your favorites. with the taste of the next. A wet glass you taste through these expressions, see could add too much water. if you agree with how our experts have Ice: plotted them. Let the flavor, texture and aromas Sips: evolve with some well chosen ice. Your Small sips, with the glass rim on the glass of whisky becomes a journey. center of your tongue, to avoid the