Japanese Whisky (not just) for summer sipping

Suntory - Toki Whisky

This is a whisky that caters to those that look for elegance and subtlety. According to Suntory the smoothness of the Toki whisky together with its complexity give it great versatility. It can be enjoyed neat, or in a cocktail. It is also a whisky that will work very well in a highball.

History of Suntory, a century of Japanese whisky

The Torii Shoten Store, the predecessor of Suntory, opened in 1899 as a result of the dream of young Shinjiro Torii, who at the age of 20 wanted to “create original Japanese Spirits the whole world can enjoy, uniquely made from Japan’s nature and her people.” The Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first whisky distillery, began construction in Yamazaki on the outskirts of Kyoto and opened in 1923. It’s and Japan’s first whisky, Suntory Shirofuda (white label) was launched in 1930 and failed due to its imitation of smoky Scottish whiskies. This was followed by Suntory Kakubin. This subsequently whisky became the number one selling Japanese whisky in Japan, because it had the elegance and subtlety sought by the whiskey drinkers in Japan and that has become a hallmark of all Japanese whiskies.

Toki Whisky

Toki is a blend of selected malt and grain whiskies from the Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries. The Hakushu malt is aged in American white oak that provide freshness, mellowness and the green apple notes. This is balanced with heavy-type grain whiskies from Chita distillery that add a clean taste with notes of sweetness and some vanilla.. The blend is completed by adding older single malts from Yamazaki, that have aged in American and Spanish oak. This addition harmonizes with the Hakushu and Chita components, while adding roundness as well as reinforcing the sweetness of Chita heavy-type grain whisky with notes of peach and custard aromas. The Yamazaki Spanish oak cask malt whisky adds the woody and bittersweet notes.

Tasting Notes

This whiskey starts with aromas of ripe green apples, stronger vanilla notes, nuts such as almonds with a hint of walnut, finishing with some citrus notes and hints of short- and gingerbread.

In the mouth there are delicate floral flavors followed by prominent flavors of vanilla, toasted marshmallow and honey. In the background there is the shortbread again with green apples, ground almonds and honey. All these flavors co-exist, every flavor is in balance. Then there is a hint of grapefruit and some herbal and oak notes that balance the sweetness.

The finish has a bit of heat and a lingering sweetness from the floral flavors, vanilla and honey. There is also a hint pepper, bitter herbs and grapefruit pulp.

This is a light-bodied whisky that is very easy to sip. It somewhat similar to a lighter Scotch whiskey, such as a Aberfeldy or Glenfiddich single malt. But the Toki is much more elegant, better blended and all that at great price I think ice by itself would upset the delicate balance of this elegant whisky. Although more than a few reviewers, as well as the distillery, tout this as a perfect whisky for a highball or a lighter cocktail.

Pop's Price 1 Liter $42.99 

Pop's Price 750ml $35.99