Tasting Notes by Jim Murray (Whisky Bible 2022): 95.5 points n23.5 such a delicate nose: rice paper infused with the lightest heather-honey and the most apologetic nuance of smoke…; t24 just brilliant…! Though the heather-honey is little more than a coded message on the nose, it arrives on the palate like an Emperor upon a throne. And although salivating, there is a depth beyond the simple broadcast of sugar and grist. Sugars are extracted from the tannins, also and these have a spicy hue. This is all about layering and subtlety, and it is hard to imagine that they could have got it better than this…; f24 the spices buzz on. A little cocoa bitterness now as the honey tones have receded. A little molasses compensates excellently; b24 a malt which celebrates its great age in style and considerable complexity. Indeed, so complex, each mouthful brings you a little stand and nuance you are sure wasn’t there before. Definitely knocking on the door as Japanese Whisky of the Year. 50% ncf