This comment means so much to me because that is why I started this channel in the first place. I wanted to create exactly what you described. Thank you 🙏😇🥂
@@mikealstone2894 I appreciate that feed back so much! It's definitely a balance to give enough information to explain the difference between spirits, but not so much that people get bored. I'm glad I am hitting that balance, thank you. :D
@@liquid_x Toki especially accepts blending because it’s so “soft” in nature. Try adding a splash of something to it next time you pour a glass and you’ll see. I like adding wheated bourbons to it, or single malt scotch.
Had a co-worker gift me a bottle of Suntory Toki. This was my first experience with Japanese whiskey. I wasn't sure at first what to expect. The nose was a little off putting but the palate caught the notes you were describing, light, apple like. I'm warming up to it, but I think I'll try that forest/ Hakushu. That sounds really interesting. Great job on your b-roll. Your lighting and slow-mo was nice.
Ayyy totally understandable. Japanese whisky is definitely its own thing, very interesting. Yeah if you get to try the Hakushu, let me know what you think. Thank you I'm glad you enjoy it. I love making it 🥰
the production quality was spot on! also that little cocktail b roll was amazing and not something you usually see in a review! Definitely nice to see something different
A very good review of these four and spot on tasting notes. One of the things I love about Suntory is how they have a real family identity but each is different. Hakushu 12yr is probably my all time favourite of the Japanese whiskies but Toki as a more everyday option is hard to beat.
Thank you so much! I definitely agree! That's cool cause most people I have talked to like the Yamazaki the most, and I'm with you. I think the Hakushu has such and interesting combination of flavors that is unlike anything I have tried. And I agree about the Toki as well. Cheers 🥂
❤ What a great and thorough review, it makes me want to try the ones I haven't. You came in to my liquor store (that I work at) today and you were very insightful. Can't wait to see more❤
Ayyy Hi Meranda, Thank you so much for checking out my content, and the lovely comment. I really enjoyed chatting with you guys yesterday. You both are really friendly and knowledgeable. I'll definitely try to pop in again next time I'm headed to the coast. 🥂
I am Japanese, thank you for your great Review. The single malt whisky "山崎" YAMAZAKI since 1984, for now this have history about 40 years. When about 2000 in Japan, I guess this price was about 40 bucks. With tha passage of times, as become more and more known for world, now about 120 bucks. In japan, about 108 bucks. I miss the days when I could drink this flavor at a reasonable price lol It's a special way of saying that "季" saying "TOKI" in Japan. Normaly saying "KI" and meaning of "季節(KISETSU)" season and "期間(KIKAN)" period. From there, we turn to saying "時(TOKI)" time. I hope you have a good time with Japanese Whisky. Regards from Japan.
Thank you so much for the insightful comment. That’s so interesting! Are you referring about the Yamazaki 12 year that I tasted in the video or the original Yamazaki? That’s amazing that Yamazaki used to be $40. That would be so nice to be able to enjoy a whisky with such depth for that price. I know that trying to directly translate Japanese to English is difficult because the language structures are so different, so I greatly appreciate your clarification on the usage of Toki. Thank you 🙏 Best regards back from the U.S.
I have had Toki. It’s very good smooth lots of flavors nothing too overwhelming. Just tried the Hibiki on the rocks one large ice cube recommend by the bar tender. It is by far the best whiskey I have ever had. Very smooth, no bad burn, heavy smoky flavor that fills your mouth in a great way.
Ahh I'm so glad you enjoyed them as well. That's interesting, I didn't get very much smoke on the Hibiki. Was it just the regular Hibiki or a special edition of it. That's awesome though, next time I get to have the Hibiki again I'll look for the amazing smoke you are getting. 🍻
@@liquid_x basically the Toki is a more powerful flavored whisky stronger than the Hibiki. The Hibiki was smoother and easier to take down softer on my pallet. Both very darn good.
@@yamahschector That's all good. Honestly when I have seen Special Editions of Hibiki, they look so similar to the regular one that if I wasn't paying close attention, I wouldn't notice the difference on the bottle. I can definitely see that. I found the Hibiki to be very complex but very subtle at the same time, and I totally agree softer on the pallet. I'm glad you enjoy both as well. ☺🥂
@@allisonsmith9050 So cool! Ooo nice, I found it to have a very different profile than the Hibiki, so I’m curious what you will think of it. Ahh that’s great! I love all the different styles of whisk(e)y out there and what Japanese whisky brings to the table to so interesting! 🥂
Great vid, personally I'm a huge fan of the Yamazaki 12 yr as a neat whiskey on the rocks - really smooth and full of flavour. Need to try the straight Yamazaki!
Great video! Recently started drinking Suntory, starting with the Toki. Looking forward to trying the others, your descriptions were extremely helpful.
oh wonderful! I'm so glad I could help. Thats awesome. I love the Toki. It's so simple and elegant, yet subtly complex. I'm excited for your exploration of more of Suntory. Let me know what you think as you try more. 🥂
Just found the Hibiki - my favorite whisky - marked down by $30 at my local liquor store for a must-buy $69.99! I had never seen/heard of it going for so cheap. I nearly fainted. Lol!
Well-done, the video is very nice, detail-oriented, and the background is just perfect with the subject. Love it. Please do more videos like this. Thank you.
"See if they don’t have soy sauce they can’t make any Japanese food, right? The same thing goes with whisky.” ~ Mike Miyamoto, Global Ambassador for Suntory Whisky, analogizing why Japanese whisky _isn't_ really like Scotch whisky.
Great quality video and content! i'm impressed that you don't have that many subscribers (i wouldn't be susprised if you had like 1M). I hope you get the attention you deserve!
oh thats awesome!! I totally agree they are all so good. The Hakushu is definitely the most interesting to me cause of the fresh apple notes mixed with the peaty smoke, so cool! 🥂
First time watching your channel and this vid is amazing. Well done! Lifelong Japanese whisky lover here. You need to also try The Chita by Suntory. Also, do a video on Nikka Whisky: Yoichi, Miyagikyo vs. their Taketsuru Pure Malt and Nikka from the barrel.
Hey welcome! Thank you so much! 🙏 I found the Chita while researching Suntory. What is the profile like? I have also been very curious about Nikka’s spirits. I will keep an eye out for those ones!
I enjoyed your review on your take of these Japanese whiskies from Suntory. Hakushu 12 is one of my favorites. I would be very interested on your opinions on Nikka whisky.
Thank you! Ahh awesome, that one is one of my favorites as well. Ooo okay I’ll keep my eye out as I haven’t tried any Nikka whisky yet, but I have been very curious about them.
Very cool! That one is definitely near if not at the top of my list as well. The peaty apple combo is so unique. I love it! Aww dang I can understand the reasoning but yeah that’s rough. Any idea if they will continue production once they get barrels?
Having grown up in Buffalo NY, then spending my Adulthood in Colorado, I can assure you that Snow deffinately has a smell. Actually many different scents depending on wheather, and environmental factors!
Exactly. I would order a Yamazaki at a bar in the city where I live but a Hakashu if I'm going out on a trip or something. Also mushrooms lol wth I hate mushrooms but yamazaki 12 is my favorite
Was talking to friend about alcohol (im not nerd into it i drink w/e), but japanese whiskey caught my eye and landed on this video and its so nice chill cool cuts video XD im gonna watch more and buy some good bottle :D BTW is it heresy to drink whiskey w ice?
Ayy awesome thank you! Welcome to the channel. Let me know what you get and what you enjoy. Also no, definitely not heresy. As the guys at the Whiskey Tribe say "good whisk(e)y, is whisk(e)y you like to drink, and how you like to drink it". I expand that into all alcohol. So if you want to drink your drink with ice. Do it! and know that every true alcohol pro on the internet supports your decision. 😉
I have an investment bottle of "Hibiki 17 years Kacho Fugetsu" Brand new unopened. Brought it 6 years ago in Tokyo Duty Free Narita Airport. Only 600 bottles made.
@@liquid_x sorry it's "Stijl" a bar name on Yakuza game series, you can go and drink there and bartender explains the exact drinks on the video. If you tasted all of them game gives you completion award.
It was a rare find I managed to get at Trader Joes. I'm pretty sure it was a once in a blue moon deal they got. I only saw it only the one time. I have also seen it sometimes at Uwajimaya. But unfortunately not for $120. Keep an eye out at Trader Joes and Costco as I have randomly seen rare bottles pop up at both of these places.
Everyone has their own opinion on this. My personal opinion is that they are different. Carmel is those chewy cubes, or what you put around an apple. However caramel is the sauce that you drizzle on top of whipped cream or the stringy caramel in a snickers bar.
HI! Sorry for the late reply, I would go with the Hibiki as it is a little easier to find than the Yamazaki of Hakushu, and it has a very beautiful character approachable character to it. 🥂
i'd love to drink the s. toki i have correctly, with soda water, as they recommend that...but how about a non-water mixer. anyone? i maybe enough ice and some fresca? probably not. i won't know til i taste it.... ?
Yes! I love it with Soda as well, with a little lemon peel spritz. Oooo great question! I mean ginger beer is an easy mix, however it's going to overpower the subtle flavors in the Toki. I like the fresca idea, like maybe a peach lemon fresca could be really refreshing. I also just had an idea of maybe something with tamarind, or maybe iced green tea. I Haven't tried it so I have no clue, but it could be good. 🥂
Wow really? That’s wild!! I have found the Hibiki multiple places for around $75-$80 USD. The Yamazaki and Hakushu are super rare. I have only seen a couple places that have them, and when researching prices I was finding between $100-$150 USD. I got these ones at a grocery store for $120 pre tax USD. I have heard rumors about Japanese whisky prices jumping recently so maybe that’s why you can only find them for around $250 now.
I'm curious, sir. I know liquor prices vary week to week; But, where were you able to get Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 for about $120 and $150 at the time you got them?
@@liquid_x Thank you for the reply. Not long after you replied, I got a Yamazaki 12 year for $170, and just last week I was able to get Hakushu 12 year for $160. I've bought a few Toki bottles for less than $40. Tonight I also found Hibiki Harmony for $77. I'm on a role. Cheers.😄🥃
@@jcurbin305 were able to find them at all. Besides the $120 I found, I haven't seen either for anywhere under $200. So I think you got an amazing deal! What do you think of them? Also under $40 for Toki to me is a great deal! good buy. Hibiki for $77 love that! 😃Proud of you my friend, you are definitely on a roll. Enjoy friend! Cheers 🥃🥂
Tried Yamazaki 12 in a small bar in the "Golden Gai" area of Tokyo about 4 years ago. Forgot to visit Duty Free on my way out of town and have been hunting for a bottle or 2 since. Where did you get yours?
@@liquid_x I’ve wanted to buy the first two you tried. Obviously didn’t want to spend the money if they were bad. But really am not a fan of the peaty whiskys at all
@@MrOreally ahh gotcha. The first two you will have no problem with. The closest thing you will get with Toki is maybe a little oak. And Hibiki is more on the fruity side. Neither of them are smokey.
Wow that’s a crazy amount! 😱 If you don’t mind saying, where about a is this that spirits are taxed that much? Where I live it’s 20.5% plus a liter tax, which is an extra $2.83 for 750ml. Happy to give you a top 3! Are you looking for my top 3 spirits? Or top 3 whiskies?
I heard Buffalo trace is pretty good and am very excited to enjoy some Japanese stuff with my cousin in a decade. Here hoping that the 200 million usd that has been amassed to bring back Japanese whiskey pays off.
@@Meepzilluh aww thank you 🙏 it’s a constant learning experience haha. It can be an investment to buy a bottle, especially if you’re just learning your pallet. What I would recommend is getting a couple 50ml bottles to figure out what you enjoy. As far as whiskey goes, it’s tough to choose because each type has a different flavor. If it were me I would get a bourbon (Larceny, Bulleit, or Buffalo Trace) and/or a scotch (Glenlivet 12 or Johnny Walker Black Label) because I feel those are most different from each other. If you’re on instagram feel free to message me with any questions! Hope this helps.
Toki is alright, but you can do much much better for $35-40 in the States. Monkey Shoulder is a great blended scotch if you're trying to spend under $40 and it 100% beats toki out. Then you have a wide variety of bourbons and ryes that are leagues ahead as well. Sazerac Rye and Bulleit Bourbon are two examples but there are many more. Yamazaki 12 is an amazing whiskey, but for $150 you can get better scotch. Ultimately it needs to be higher than 86 proof at that price point to really be worth it. Haven't tried the others.
I can appreciate your view. I believe it really comes down to flavor preference, style of burn and mouth feel you enjoy, etc. There are a bunch of factors. The other options you recommend are also solid choices though. 🥂 I wonder with the Yamazaki, if they keep at 43% because they like the character and profile that is present at that proof. Maybe at higher proof, the flavor and complexity is not as strong. 🤔
@@liquid_x Preference is a factor for sure, but I do think some of the other whiskies I just named are objectively more complex than Toki. I get that its the standard for Highballs, but I'd find it more reasonable around $20-25 but even then its competing against WT101 and some other solid bourbons if you're just shooting it straight. What you said about Yamazaki could be true, but I personally find it a little too thin for a whiskey that retails for $150. Granted Yamazaki used to retail for a much lower price years ago to my understanding. Winning that best Whiskey award shot prices way up above what I'd consider reasonable for an 86 proof whiskey, pretty common in the whiskey scene unfortunately. Its one of those things I'd encourage people to try at least once, just to get a taste of quality Japanese whiskey to form opinions on it, but personally I don't think its worth a 2nd purchase at the current price point.
As I'm sure you know, notes like caramel, oak, lemon, butterscotch and honey are very common among all whiskies. I am catering to both expert and novice drinkers. So if I skip those notes and say "Hibiki tastes like fresh jasmine, floral rose, oolong tea and strawberry." Half my audience is going to think Hibiki tastes like a nice fruity floral tea, instead of a whisk(e)y. Also I haven't found any bourbons with flavors like steel, dandelion, tires, cement, mushroom, pine, strawberry, and the combination of peat and apple. Do you have any recommendations for bourbons with those flavors? I'd love to give them a try. 🥂
![NISAMANEE - TADA (ท้าดา) [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hcQHEPMmJpU/mqdefault.jpg)
This is how a whiskey review should be. Gentleman like, calm, straight to the point, precise.
This comment means so much to me because that is why I started this channel in the first place. I wanted to create exactly what you described. Thank you 🙏😇🥂
@@liquid_xyou killed this. I like how you review. Didn’t give 162 notes per taste like most “experts”
@@mikealstone2894 I appreciate that feed back so much! It's definitely a balance to give enough information to explain the difference between spirits, but not so much that people get bored. I'm glad I am hitting that balance, thank you. :D
I had Toki for the first time last month and it immediately shot up into my top 5 all time. Looking forward to trying more Japanese whiskys!
ayy top 5, so cool! I'm so glad you enjoy it too. Hell yeah, let me know what else you try and what you think. 🥂
Great whiskies, good value, and blends very well with other whiskies from the US and Scotland.
@@robfut9954 Oooo I can imagine they do. I can't remember if I tried blending them, I definitely will try it now though 😃
@@liquid_x Toki especially accepts blending because it’s so “soft” in nature. Try adding a splash of something to it next time you pour a glass and you’ll see. I like adding wheated bourbons to it, or single malt scotch.
This is an incredible video man. Let’s get this channel through the algorithm.
Highly impressed.
Ayyy thank you so much!! That’s the goal! I really appreciate the support. 🙏❤️
@@liquid_xi toldally agree! What a great review! You knocked it out of the park
Had two drams of Yamazaki 18 three years ago. It was sweet and fruity. Also had some chocolatey flavor to it. Highly recommend it.
Ooo that sounds delicious!!! Hopefully I’ll get the chance to try it one of these days 🙏
Had a co-worker gift me a bottle of Suntory Toki. This was my first experience with Japanese whiskey. I wasn't sure at first what to expect. The nose was a little off putting but the palate caught the notes you were describing, light, apple like. I'm warming up to it, but I think I'll try that forest/ Hakushu. That sounds really interesting. Great job on your b-roll. Your lighting and slow-mo was nice.
Ayyy totally understandable. Japanese whisky is definitely its own thing, very interesting. Yeah if you get to try the Hakushu, let me know what you think. Thank you I'm glad you enjoy it. I love making it 🥰
the production quality was spot on! also that little cocktail b roll was amazing and not something you usually see in a review! Definitely nice to see something different
Ayy thank you so much!! I’m so glad. Haha I did like how that cocktail b-roll turned out too. 🥂
Ah man! Definitly one of the best channels out there.
Hey thank you so much!! 🥰 I really appreciate it!
A very good review of these four and spot on tasting notes. One of the things I love about Suntory is how they have a real family identity but each is different. Hakushu 12yr is probably my all time favourite of the Japanese whiskies but Toki as a more everyday option is hard to beat.
Thank you so much! I definitely agree! That's cool cause most people I have talked to like the Yamazaki the most, and I'm with you. I think the Hakushu has such and interesting combination of flavors that is unlike anything I have tried. And I agree about the Toki as well. Cheers 🥂
@@liquid_x there are light, green appley and piney flavour profiles that are highly unusual and delicious.
@@opusgazelle That is exactly what I got as well! So fascinating and delicious!
❤ What a great and thorough review, it makes me want to try the ones I haven't. You came in to my liquor store (that I work at) today and you were very insightful. Can't wait to see more❤
Ayyy Hi Meranda, Thank you so much for checking out my content, and the lovely comment. I really enjoyed chatting with you guys yesterday. You both are really friendly and knowledgeable. I'll definitely try to pop in again next time I'm headed to the coast. 🥂
I am Japanese, thank you for your great Review.
The single malt whisky "山崎" YAMAZAKI since 1984, for now this have history about 40 years.
When about 2000 in Japan, I guess this price was about 40 bucks.
With tha passage of times, as become more and more known for world, now about 120 bucks. In japan, about 108 bucks.
I miss the days when I could drink this flavor at a reasonable price lol
It's a special way of saying that "季" saying "TOKI" in Japan.
Normaly saying "KI" and meaning of "季節(KISETSU)" season and "期間(KIKAN)" period.
From there, we turn to saying "時(TOKI)" time.
I hope you have a good time with Japanese Whisky.
Regards from Japan.
Thank you so much for the insightful comment.
That’s so interesting! Are you referring about the Yamazaki 12 year that I tasted in the video or the original Yamazaki? That’s amazing that Yamazaki used to be $40. That would be so nice to be able to enjoy a whisky with such depth for that price.
I know that trying to directly translate Japanese to English is difficult because the language structures are so different, so I greatly appreciate your clarification on the usage of Toki. Thank you 🙏
Best regards back from the U.S.
Great video my friend. I'm just learning about whisky and this was really helpful.
Ayy thank you! I'm glad it is helpful. Feel free to reach out with any questions or anything. 🥂
I have had Toki. It’s very good smooth lots of flavors nothing too overwhelming. Just tried the Hibiki on the rocks one large ice cube recommend by the bar tender. It is by far the best whiskey I have ever had. Very smooth, no bad burn, heavy smoky flavor that fills your mouth in a great way.
Ahh I'm so glad you enjoyed them as well. That's interesting, I didn't get very much smoke on the Hibiki. Was it just the regular Hibiki or a special edition of it. That's awesome though, next time I get to have the Hibiki again I'll look for the amazing smoke you are getting. 🍻
@@liquid_x I am not very knowledgeable about whiskey but that’s just how I would describe the flavor🤷♂️
@@liquid_x basically the Toki is a more powerful flavored whisky stronger than the Hibiki. The Hibiki was smoother and easier to take down softer on my pallet. Both very darn good.
@@yamahschector That's all good. Honestly when I have seen Special Editions of Hibiki, they look so similar to the regular one that if I wasn't paying close attention, I wouldn't notice the difference on the bottle.
I can definitely see that. I found the Hibiki to be very complex but very subtle at the same time, and I totally agree softer on the pallet. I'm glad you enjoy both as well.
☺🥂
Outstanding video! I bought a bottle of Hibikiand I’m looking very forward to trying it tonight.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!! Ayy that's awesome!! Let me know what you think of it. 🥂
@@liquid_x I enjoyed it a lot! I think my next bottle will be Yamazaki 12. The Japanese whisky 🥃 market is growing on me!
@@allisonsmith9050 So cool! Ooo nice, I found it to have a very different profile than the Hibiki, so I’m curious what you will think of it.
Ahh that’s great! I love all the different styles of whisk(e)y out there and what Japanese whisky brings to the table to so interesting! 🥂
Great vid, personally I'm a huge fan of the Yamazaki 12 yr as a neat whiskey on the rocks - really smooth and full of flavour. Need to try the straight Yamazaki!
Awesome! I love that one as well. Super smooth and very interesting flavor. Yeah I’m on the look out for the straight Yamazaki! Cheers 🍻
So I was re watching the video I just did on the Yama and the Hakushu and it sent me to your video. We had a lot of the same notes. Cheers.
Ayy Awesome! It's always nice finding similar notes as someone else! I'm glad we noticed the same things. I'll go check out yours, Cheers🥂
Great video! Recently started drinking Suntory, starting with the Toki. Looking forward to trying the others, your descriptions were extremely helpful.
oh wonderful! I'm so glad I could help. Thats awesome. I love the Toki. It's so simple and elegant, yet subtly complex. I'm excited for your exploration of more of Suntory. Let me know what you think as you try more. 🥂
Just found the Hibiki - my favorite whisky - marked down by $30 at my local liquor store for a must-buy $69.99! I had never seen/heard of it going for so cheap. I nearly fainted. Lol!
OH MY GOD!! That's a crazy good deal!! Wow pick me up one 😋I think the lowest I have ever seen it was at least $80, so that's awesome!
Great vid mate, loved how you simply expressed all the emotions and feelings these whiskies passed on to you
Hey thats wonderful! Thank you so much. I’m glad they came across well.🙏
Wow what a great episode!
Ayy Thank you so much! 🥰🥂
Well-done, the video is very nice, detail-oriented, and the background is just perfect with the subject. Love it. Please do more videos like this. Thank you.
Thank you so much! I have a lot of things in the works. 🙏
Your channel is so underrated mate. Thanks for the review. ;)
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! 🙏
Such a High quality Content.
I just bought Toki from Costco excited to have a taste it
Thank you!! Oooo yum, cheers!🥂 Let me know what you think.
No matter the price it’s one of the most smoothest drinks there are. 😊
@@BabaThudi agreed!
I just got myself a bottle of hibiki after months of looking for it and my god it is super amazing
Awesome! I love the fruity floral notes in Hibiki. I’m so glad you like it! 🥂
"See if they don’t have soy sauce they can’t make any Japanese food, right? The same thing goes with whisky.”
~ Mike Miyamoto, Global Ambassador for Suntory Whisky, analogizing why Japanese whisky _isn't_ really like Scotch whisky.
Exactly. 🥂
You are very good at this. Thank you for excellent presentation and for posting.
Hey Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that! You are very welcome! 🥂
Beautiful camera work and editing!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! 😊🙏
So good. Thanks. I hope to try them soon. 🥃
For sure! Let me know what you think of them when you try them. 🥃
Great production, just subbed
Thank you so much! I appreciate the support! 🥰🙏
Nice video and great reviews! You definitely deserve more recognition. I'm happy that I've discovered your channel.
Hey thank you so much! I appreciate it!! 🙏
All the while i prefer sherry cask whisky, as for japanese best whisky, Hibiki, the first bottle on the left is the one to go for.
I definitely love sherry cask whisky too. The Hibiki is very nice. I really enjoyed it. 🥂
The "come find me" whiskey bottles are attractive. The empty bottles has a dollar value as well.
That’s what I hear. I can’t remember if I kept my Hibiki bottle back home. I hope I did haha 🥂
Very good video. I'm impressed. Keep going, best of luck!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! 🙏🥂
great vid man excited to grab a special bottle for my birthday coming up :)
Ayy Thank you so much! That sounds like a great idea. Happy Birthday!! I hope you have/had a wonderful birthday. Cheers 🥂🎉
Seriously though, your cinematography is on point, my dude.
Thank you so much, that really means a lot 🙏
@@liquid_x Don't stop making these. I can totally see them taking off if you stick with it
❤️ I don’t plan to stop anytime soon, and luckily there’s no shortage of booze that need reviews. 😉
I second that the cinematography is on point.
Hey I'm intrigued to try Japanese whiskey now.
Yay I’m glad! I hope you like them, let me know what you end up trying. 🥂
Dieser whisky schmeckt köstlich und hervorragend. Ich glaube, andere Leute sollten den Geschmack dieses Getränks genießen wollen.
Ich stimme zu 🥂
Awesome video - you rock bro!!! Bought the Hibiki and absolutely love it. Will try the snowy, mountain one next ;)
Ayy thank you so much man!! I’m so glad you enjoy it as well! Awesome! Let me know what you think of the Hakushu 12 when you try it. 🥂
Great quality video and content! i'm impressed that you don't have that many subscribers (i wouldn't be susprised if you had like 1M). I hope you get the attention you deserve!
I really appreciate that. Thank you so much! My intentions are to get there. 🙏
super solid straight to the point review love your thoughts
Thank you! I really appreciate it! 🥂
Amazing review. Own all 4 bottles, favourite definitely the hakushu but they’re all so very good
oh thats awesome!! I totally agree they are all so good. The Hakushu is definitely the most interesting to me cause of the fresh apple notes mixed with the peaty smoke, so cool! 🥂
Such an intelligent presentation, kudos.
Thank you so much!! 🙏🥂
hey love your channel, please continue to produce videos. Your knowledge, characteristic, and production are worth 100k subscribers.
Working on it, I appreciate you! 🙏
First time watching your channel and this vid is amazing. Well done! Lifelong Japanese whisky lover here. You need to also try The Chita by Suntory. Also, do a video on Nikka Whisky: Yoichi, Miyagikyo vs. their Taketsuru Pure Malt and Nikka from the barrel.
Hey welcome! Thank you so much! 🙏 I found the Chita while researching Suntory. What is the profile like? I have also been very curious about Nikka’s spirits. I will keep an eye out for those ones!
I enjoyed your review on your take of these Japanese whiskies from Suntory. Hakushu 12 is one of my favorites. I would be very interested on your opinions on Nikka whisky.
Thank you! Ahh awesome, that one is one of my favorites as well. Ooo okay I’ll keep my eye out as I haven’t tried any Nikka whisky yet, but I have been very curious about them.
I’ve had all four and prefer the Hakushu 12 the best, sad it stopped production for a few years to let the barrel supplies come back
Very cool! That one is definitely near if not at the top of my list as well. The peaty apple combo is so unique. I love it! Aww dang I can understand the reasoning but yeah that’s rough. Any idea if they will continue production once they get barrels?
@@liquid_x I’m sure they will but it might a few years, trying to get a Hibiki 21 for my old man
@@SickStyle201 okay for sure. Ooo lovely, I want to try that one as well!
Having grown up in Buffalo NY, then spending my Adulthood in Colorado, I can assure you that Snow deffinately has a smell. Actually many different scents depending on wheather, and environmental factors!
@@DIFowner ahh thank you for that comment. That’s awesome! I bet Colorado snow also has a different smell than northwestern snow like I’m used to.
Exactly. I would order a Yamazaki at a bar in the city where I live but a Hakashu if I'm going out on a trip or something.
Also mushrooms lol wth I hate mushrooms but yamazaki 12 is my favorite
Haha that’s awesome!! I love that!! 🍻
Man ai would give anything to have your taste buds for a day 😂
hahaha That is the biggest compliment I could be given in this day and age. Thank you! 🥰🥂
Toki is good mixed, the Hibiki and Yamazaki are good on ice or better straight
Agreed! All very nice! 🥂
Was talking to friend about alcohol (im not nerd into it i drink w/e), but japanese whiskey caught my eye and landed on this video and its so nice chill cool cuts video XD im gonna watch more and buy some good bottle :D BTW is it heresy to drink whiskey w ice?
Ayy awesome thank you! Welcome to the channel. Let me know what you get and what you enjoy. Also no, definitely not heresy. As the guys at the Whiskey Tribe say "good whisk(e)y, is whisk(e)y you like to drink, and how you like to drink it". I expand that into all alcohol. So if you want to drink your drink with ice. Do it! and know that every true alcohol pro on the internet supports your decision. 😉
Very noice. Quality review
Thank you!!
I have Taste the hibiki MasterClass,Fucking amazing. I am waiting now for the yamazaki 12 years.
Ooooo are you talking about the Master Select? That sounds so good!!! Let me know what you think of the Yamazaki 12 when you get a chance to try it.
I have an investment bottle of "Hibiki 17 years Kacho Fugetsu" Brand new unopened. Brought it 6 years ago in Tokyo Duty Free Narita Airport. Only 600 bottles made.
Oooo that sounds sooo good. Is it the one with the flowers and such all around the bottle?
@@liquid_x Yup! That's the one!
@@daveh7235 ooo that looks so good!
@@liquid_x I brought the bottle for 20,000 Yen which is about $200 back in 2015, The price online has gone insane!
@@daveh7235 oh man!! That sounds like such a good deal for something like that!! From what I’m seeing it’s around $2000 now, right?
Try Toki with Nippon Cocktail. Hibiki 21 is my favorite
Ooo yum I gotta try making that cocktail! I have been wanting to try the Hibiki 21. I haven’t seen it in the states yet. At least on the west coast.
I can get Toki for $30 and it’s one of the best whiskies for that price from any region of the world.
Ayy very nice! Yeah $30 is a really good price for what I have seen the Toki at. Where do you find it for that price?🥂
@@liquid_x on sale at a local shop, bought a few
You need more subscribers my guy
Thank you! I would love more subscribers. Every little bit help. Thank you for commenting. 🙏
Doob u need to try the yamazaki 18...straight fire....very tropical pineapple syrupy goodness
Oooo that sounds divine! I will keep my eye out for it, thank you!
Great video, thanks 👍🏼
For sure! Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏
Great review
Thank you! 🙏🙏
Congrats you completed stijj's bar
stijj?
@@liquid_x sorry it's "Stijl" a bar name on Yakuza game series, you can go and drink there and bartender explains the exact drinks on the video. If you tasted all of them game gives you completion award.
@@liquid_x "Stijl" is a bar name on Yakuza game series.
@ ahh that makes sense! Haha sweet! 🤙🥂
Great vid
Thank you!! 🙏🥰
Hi Biki 17 , heaven !!! ❤ 🥃
Ohhhh I bet it is amazing! What does it taste like?
Where do u get the Hakushu for $120 a bottle in Wa???? I'm in Seattle and been a nightmare to find it. It used to be 80/90 few years ago
It was a rare find I managed to get at Trader Joes. I'm pretty sure it was a once in a blue moon deal they got. I only saw it only the one time. I have also seen it sometimes at Uwajimaya. But unfortunately not for $120. Keep an eye out at Trader Joes and Costco as I have randomly seen rare bottles pop up at both of these places.
Try BlueLine Whiskey,
Ooo okay, Is that by the Hideaway Distillery?
Is Carmel the same as caramel 😅
Everyone has their own opinion on this. My personal opinion is that they are different. Carmel is those chewy cubes, or what you put around an apple. However caramel is the sauce that you drizzle on top of whipped cream or the stringy caramel in a snickers bar.
I just bought one today
Ayy nice! Which one did you get?
@@liquid_x the Hibiki
Hi! Which one would you recommend me to give it to someone special? For a birthday present
HI! Sorry for the late reply, I would go with the Hibiki as it is a little easier to find than the Yamazaki of Hakushu, and it has a very beautiful character approachable character to it. 🥂
@@liquid_x thank you so much!
i'd love to drink the s. toki i have correctly, with soda water, as they recommend that...but how about a non-water mixer. anyone? i maybe enough ice and some fresca? probably not. i won't know til i taste it.... ?
Yes! I love it with Soda as well, with a little lemon peel spritz.
Oooo great question! I mean ginger beer is an easy mix, however it's going to overpower the subtle flavors in the Toki. I like the fresca idea, like maybe a peach lemon fresca could be really refreshing.
I also just had an idea of maybe something with tamarind, or maybe iced green tea. I Haven't tried it so I have no clue, but it could be good. 🥂
Well done!
Thank you! 🙏
Nice review
Thank you 🙏
How did you come up with the cheaper price tag per bottle? Those 12-year-old whiskeys are about $250 USD in Japan if you can find them.
Wow really? That’s wild!! I have found the Hibiki multiple places for around $75-$80 USD. The Yamazaki and Hakushu are super rare. I have only seen a couple places that have them, and when researching prices I was finding between $100-$150 USD. I got these ones at a grocery store for $120 pre tax USD. I have heard rumors about Japanese whisky prices jumping recently so maybe that’s why you can only find them for around $250 now.
I'm curious, sir. I know liquor prices vary week to week; But, where were you able to get Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 for about $120 and $150 at the time you got them?
Great question: I have seen them a few places very infrequently. These ones I managed to find for limited time at Trader Joe's (US grocery store)
@@liquid_x Thank you for the reply. Not long after you replied, I got a Yamazaki 12 year for $170, and just last week I was able to get Hakushu 12 year for $160. I've bought a few Toki bottles for less than $40. Tonight I also found Hibiki Harmony for $77. I'm on a role. Cheers.😄🥃
@@jcurbin305 were able to find them at all. Besides the $120 I found, I haven't seen either for anywhere under $200. So I think you got an amazing deal! What do you think of them?
Also under $40 for Toki to me is a great deal! good buy. Hibiki for $77 love that! 😃Proud of you my friend, you are definitely on a roll. Enjoy friend! Cheers
🥃🥂
Tried Yamazaki 12 in a small bar in the "Golden Gai" area of Tokyo about 4 years ago. Forgot to visit Duty Free on my way out of town and have been hunting for a bottle or 2 since. Where did you get yours?
Aww nice!! I managed to find it at Trader Joe’s actually. Apparently it was a limited buy they were able to get.
were any of them real smokey in flavor?
Hakushu is definitely smokey. But it isn’t leather boot smokey, it’s fruity smokey.
@@liquid_x I’ve wanted to buy the first two you tried. Obviously didn’t want to spend the money if they were bad. But really am not a fan of the peaty whiskys at all
@@MrOreally ahh gotcha. The first two you will have no problem with. The closest thing you will get with Toki is maybe a little oak. And Hibiki is more on the fruity side. Neither of them are smokey.
You are awesome
Hey thank you so much! 🙏
Geez the price tag on these
Yeah Japanese whisky can get pretty pricey
I gotta try these. If you could send me some to 69 Dope St. Best Coast, U.S, that'd be great.
Dope st. NE or SE? 😉
you sir get a like & a comment
🙏
Hibiki is best.
Super good! 👌
@@liquid_x yamazaki is world's no. 1 test but hibiki is also Awesome.
also suntory has own story...
@@bigb2539 that’s what I hear. Everyone is trying to get a bottle. Hibiki is very good. They all tell their own story.
Toki...Meh...the rest...amazin'
Looks awesome. Too bad that where I live spirit's are taxed at 61%. For a beginner what would your top 3 picks be?
Wow that’s a crazy amount! 😱 If you don’t mind saying, where about a is this that spirits are taxed that much? Where I live it’s 20.5% plus a liter tax, which is an extra $2.83 for 750ml.
Happy to give you a top 3! Are you looking for my top 3 spirits? Or top 3 whiskies?
In Ontario spirits are taxed 61.5%
And I'd like to know both.
Also, on a separate note, Nice camera work my dude.
I heard Buffalo trace is pretty good and am very excited to enjoy some Japanese stuff with my cousin in a decade. Here hoping that the 200 million usd that has been amassed to bring back Japanese whiskey pays off.
@@Meepzilluh aww thank you 🙏 it’s a constant learning experience haha.
It can be an investment to buy a bottle, especially if you’re just learning your pallet. What I would recommend is getting a couple 50ml bottles to figure out what you enjoy.
As far as whiskey goes, it’s tough to choose because each type has a different flavor. If it were me I would get a bourbon (Larceny, Bulleit, or Buffalo Trace) and/or a scotch (Glenlivet 12 or Johnny Walker Black Label) because I feel those are most different from each other.
If you’re on instagram feel free to message me with any questions! Hope this helps.
@@Meepzilluh aww that sounds awesome! yeah for sure, I have found Japanese whisky is very good at taking you on a journey.
I would say the same thing
🥂
Who else learned of Suntory from Cobra Kai?
Dang those were hard pours for tasting 4. You ok? Lol
haha that my friend is the illusion of filming. Making it look like I'm pouring a lot.
Yamazaki 12 > Hakushu 12 > Hibiki Harmony > Toki
@@megatron6393 mmm interesting, what do you prefer with the Yamazaki over the Hakushu?
@@liquid_x Yeap. I prefer Yamazaki over Hakushu.
@@megatron6393 yes but why?
@@liquid_x Personal preference.
Toki is alright, but you can do much much better for $35-40 in the States. Monkey Shoulder is a great blended scotch if you're trying to spend under $40 and it 100% beats toki out. Then you have a wide variety of bourbons and ryes that are leagues ahead as well. Sazerac Rye and Bulleit Bourbon are two examples but there are many more. Yamazaki 12 is an amazing whiskey, but for $150 you can get better scotch. Ultimately it needs to be higher than 86 proof at that price point to really be worth it. Haven't tried the others.
I can appreciate your view. I believe it really comes down to flavor preference, style of burn and mouth feel you enjoy, etc. There are a bunch of factors. The other options you recommend are also solid choices though. 🥂 I wonder with the Yamazaki, if they keep at 43% because they like the character and profile that is present at that proof. Maybe at higher proof, the flavor and complexity is not as strong. 🤔
@@liquid_x Preference is a factor for sure, but I do think some of the other whiskies I just named are objectively more complex than Toki. I get that its the standard for Highballs, but I'd find it more reasonable around $20-25 but even then its competing against WT101 and some other solid bourbons if you're just shooting it straight. What you said about Yamazaki could be true, but I personally find it a little too thin for a whiskey that retails for $150. Granted Yamazaki used to retail for a much lower price years ago to my understanding. Winning that best Whiskey award shot prices way up above what I'd consider reasonable for an 86 proof whiskey, pretty common in the whiskey scene unfortunately. Its one of those things I'd encourage people to try at least once, just to get a taste of quality Japanese whiskey to form opinions on it, but personally I don't think its worth a 2nd purchase at the current price point.
damn that's some sexy ass whiskey
Agreed, when I first pulled them out of the box I was like “daaaaaiiiim”
I dont taste any of this shit but a great review
haha no worries, it definitely takes practice. I appreciate the support.
I got the Hibiki and threw up immediately. It didn’t taste or smell like anything except alcohol to me
Oh no!! What do you typically enjoy?
Toki is meh. Harmony and Yamazaki are really good. The Hakushu is not my style.
Interesting. 🥂
What the hell is carnal?
haha Carmel/caramel. 😊
We all know taste is subjective, but you were listing off alot of common bourbon flavors...you lost credibility in my eyes
As I'm sure you know, notes like caramel, oak, lemon, butterscotch and honey are very common among all whiskies. I am catering to both expert and novice drinkers. So if I skip those notes and say "Hibiki tastes like fresh jasmine, floral rose, oolong tea and strawberry." Half my audience is going to think Hibiki tastes like a nice fruity floral tea, instead of a whisk(e)y.
Also I haven't found any bourbons with flavors like steel, dandelion, tires, cement, mushroom, pine, strawberry, and the combination of peat and apple. Do you have any recommendations for bourbons with those flavors? I'd love to give them a try. 🥂
hey love your channel, please continue to produce videos. Your knowledge, characteristic, and production are worth 100k subscribers.
Thank you!!! working on it. I appreciate you 🙏