Early efforts from Nant were spectacular
I enjoy a bit of the big black cock on my lips from time to time, but even that isn't anything too special. This becomes particularly apparent when you enjoy sampling comparisons across Australian whisky with other nations offerings for the same price.
And Taiwanese whiskey is surprisingly spectacular.
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It is unbelievably spectacular. I still remember my first time...mind was blown!
Can you recommend me a Japanese one (or two...) to bring home?
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@Oddjob says - how much do you want to spend and where are you shopping? You'll be amazed how much further your money stretches on the home turf of this stuff. I've purchased whiskey there for about $10 a bottle that retails around $150 here! So just put your nose to the ground. If you have a favourite that you enjoy paying too much for here, say the Yamazaki 12 year, give consideration to getting the 18 year version. I prefer Hakushu to Yamazaki personally as it has more pronounced flavours. From Suntory I also like their Hibiki offerings (17 and 21 years being very note worthy). Get yourself into a well stocked bar and have a few samples...there are some rather large bottle shops on Tokyo. If you're looking to collect take note - Suntory have announced the discontinuation of some of their aged whiskey. They don't have enough stock left to keep up with demand! So they'll be pumping out young whisky while the market is still hot for Japanese stuff.
Master of Malt is ok, also check decanta for ideas of stuff to look out for. They list a lot of out of production limited release stuff for monster prices. I've found old stuff from their site in shops for about 15% of their price.
The komagatake recommended above...I've had a few of the not so expensive offerings. It's money well spent. Also the Akashi range can be good. Nikka is another great name. Oddjob missed their Miyagikyo which is nice. Karuizawa bottles are highly collectible. It just goes on and on. Best approach is to find something you like and enjoy. Shit I even liked the cheap one I mentioned earlier! It was Kiran Fuji Sanroku. But see I don't fear a blended whiskey.
One thing is for sure...make sure you get yourself a 500ml can of "strong 9%" to really experience the difference tax makes.