WHISKY: Hakushu “Japanese Forest” Bittersweet Edition 2023

NOTES: Wood resins and the soft smoke of incense appeared first with spruce and pine providing a mild spice. Aromatic dried rose mingled with peppercorns and frankincense as woody resinous aspects continue to unfurl— more caramel and nougat arrived with time. Medium-bodied on the palate, there was with plenty of woody structure, while the flavors were woody and bittersweet with a restrained sweetness, pepper, and tea-like tannins. Hints of coal dust filtered in through cocoa powder and botanical spice with a hint of new bicycle tires. The finish was long and tannic, though gentle, with botanicals and caramels.

SCORE: 7 (78)

IMAGE: Woodland Chocolatier

THOUGHTS: The terminology of forest and bittersweet were well employed on this bottle. The aroma and flavor profile carried plenty of woody influence on a bittersweet and botanical flavor profile. It was as mellow and mild as you might expect for Hakushu and the attenuated abv, so it remained comforting and familiar even if the flavors were a twist on the norm. The woodiness was well-balanced, especially considering my aversion to heavy wood-driven profiles. If the volume were cranked up just a bit, this might be more my jam.

WHISKY: Ardmore 25 Year (1997), SMWS 66.247 “For the drenched hillwalker”

NOTES: Woody and smokey, I imaged a lumber store speakeasy as hardwood, curing planks, cigar boxes, green tobacco, and pine resin intermingled. Moss and wild mint hinted at the more woodland description from SMWS, but I was at home in the hardware store with a cigar. Medium-bodied on the palate, the smoke was more mineral now with loads of earthy-green notions: moss, loam, old campfires, charred wood, dry fish— occasionally a bit of brine and fish market. Ashy and tannic toward the end with strong tea. Medium to long on the finish, the ash and tannic tea continue with pepper, mint, and herbal spice.

SCORE: 7 (84)

IMAGE: Beaver Lodge Cigar Club

THOUGHTS: Another delight from the cohort of October 1997 casks SMWS has released over the years. This was on the woodier side than most with a touch more earth and less of the herbal character, meaty, or dirty industrial notes of some of its sister casks. Age tamed any real spirit or strong pepper quality so that this was quaffable and enjoyable without water. Overall, even if it was not my favorite of its cohort of casks I know this bottle would not last long on my shelf.

WHISKY: Glenturret Ruadh Mhor 8 Year (2012), Whisk-e Ltd. Cask 466

NOTES: Burning tires and birthday cake— a child’s birthday party that got out of control. Wood-fired ovens and burnt butter scotch offered up charred wood and caramel as peppery spirit and bittersweet chocolate appeared. Medium-bodied on the palate, the flavors were sweet, peppery, and acrid with burnt caramel, ash, and peppery spirit. Sweet, and easy drinking despite the pepperiness and youthful spirit, the whisky turned creamier and sweeter between each sip. More birthday cake and creamy frosting to enjoy amongst burning barrel of petrol and tires— a few drops of water brought more ash and dried fruits. The finish was medium-length with caramel, peppery, and tires.

SCORE: 7 (81)

IMAGE: Birthday Party Riot

THOUGHTS: An “Attack on Titan” themed peated Glenturret? Don’t mind if I do! This was full of contradictions: sweet and acrid, spirited and balanced— it was wild and loud, but also surprisingly drinkable considering its age and abv. I suspect one’s enjoyment may depend on whether some of those dirtier and acrid qualities come off as sulfur, but I do not mind a filthy whisky. Overall, a flavor bomb with some unexpected twists— I do not think I would pour this very often, but it suits a particular mood.