Whisky: Essence of Suntory 2019 Rich Type Blended Whisky

Country/Region: Japan/Blend

ABV: 48%

Cask: Oak Casks with Cedar Heads

Nose: Dried fruit and leather, dark brown sugar, underlying wood with cedar and birch, hints of sandalwood and burnt candle wick, subtle cherry and licorice, vanilla and creme brûlée.

Palate: Medium-bodied, coffee, chicory, leather, berries, vanilla, wax, birch, cedar, sandalwood.

Finish: Medium to long with birch spice, chicory, and cedar wood.

Score: 7

Mental Image: Candlelight Deserts at the Mountain Spa

Narrative & Notes: A cedar-floor mountain spa came to mind with comfortable leather furniture in a candlelit dining room. Dried fruits and dark brown sugar with hints of pepper and chocolate on the one hand and subtle cherry, licorice, vanilla, and crème brûlée on the other. Cedarwood and birch ran throughout the background with more nuanced notions of sandalwood incense and burning candle wicks. Medium-bodied, the flavor profile reprised many of the same notes— it was definitely dessert time at the mountain resort. Coffee, chicory, and chocolate danced before crème brûlée, fresh berries, and hints of vanilla or licorice. A touch of wax joined the burning candle wicks with hints of cream and birch, while more prominent leather, cedar wood, and sandalwood incense lingered to the end.

Smooth and balanced, this whisky was labled as “rich type” in the 2019 Essence of Suntory release. I can understand the designation; there was a lovely richness to the wood, leather, and desserts that came through. The profile was a touch light for my taste; it could have easily scored a bit higher with me if it were just a bit thicker on the palate, which could have further accentuated that latent and delightful wax note.

I do not mind using the term smooth to indicate a whisky without sharp edges or spikes, that slips across the palate without any resistance; however, sometimes, if a whisky is too smooth, it can feel over-engineered. I thought this was one of those whiskies, or at least one sitting right on the edge, it was nicely balanced, but it was almost polished too smooth as if some essential part of its character had been shaved off, which held it back from being just “exceptional” instead of just “really really good” which feels a bit like splitting hairs with any whisky at this level.

Overall, despite my quibble, I enjoyed this; it was cask-driven with strong cedar vibes, which came together nicely. I wish the Essence of Suntory releases were easier to come by because they have included some absolute treasures.

Image Credit: Whisky Auctioneer