June 12, 2022
(Tasting of Japanese blended whiskies)
Single malt whiskies are currently in high demand.
While it's certainly enjoyable to savor the unique characteristics of each distillery,
we rediscovered our beloved Japanese blended whiskies that have been cherished for so long.
Moreover, these whiskies were created decades before the birth of Japanese single malts.
Many whiskies have been on our shelves since our founding. 😀
What perspective do we need to convey the taste, story, and enjoyment of such whiskies to our customers?
The keyword we arrived at is "mizuwari" (whisky mixed with water).
For grandparents and parents, it's nostalgic...
For younger generations, it's new and cool--.
Don't you think that's how it feels?
Taking advantage of the "Showa Retro" trend, we planned this project!
And... many employees had actually never tried them! 🧐
💦 We had no choice but to go for it! (*´艸｀)
So!
We conducted a tasting session with all employees and here's the report.
Entitled!!
Retro? Legend? Blended Whisky That's Still Delicious
[Tasting Method]
・Compared whiskies mixed with water at a 1:3 ratio (whisky:water).
・Mizuwari preparation method referenced Suntory's website.
・After mizuwari tasting, we explored individual preferences and ideal serving methods for each whisky.
The 10 whiskies tasted are listed below.
※ Rankings were not made due to differing classifications this time.
Oh!
To make it easier to understand, I've created a timeline of product releases!
Now, I will report the tasting results for each item.
A quick explanation of how to interpret the images ✨
・Individual comments are summarized with photos.
・The flavor chart on the bottom left is unique to Sumidaya.
Focusing on "sweetness, fruitiness, maltiness, smokiness, complexity, and finish,"
we created a chart of the differences among the 10 items.
Please note that the flavor chart represents subjective impressions and is not based on absolute numerical values.
Suntory Whisky Royal
This one received a high rating in this tasting!
Enjoying mizuwari while relaxing after a meal.
Some also found it delicious "a little stronger."
Suntory Whisky Reserve
Reserve, with Hakushu White Oak Cask Whisky as its key malt.
Many comments naturally brought to mind Hakushu.
"Mizuwari is good, but it's great with soda!" was a common sentiment!
Suntory Whisky Old
It's no exaggeration to say it's "whisky made for Japanese food"?!
Old is still best as a mizuwari!
When enjoying with a meal, make it a little lighter.
When savoring the taste of the liquor, make it a little stronger...
Side note...
Depending on the season, it's also delicious with hot water!!!
Suntory Whisky White
While it's delicious with water...
White is definitely best with soda!
This was proven in our highball tasting report a few years ago (^^)
Suntory Whisky Red
Red, perfect as an everyday drink!
Perhaps because it has the lowest alcohol content (39%) among the whiskies tasted this time,
many voices suggested that it's more straightforward when drunk straight or on the rocks.
Nikka Whisky Black Nikka Special
Analog, classical, country music, nostalgia.
Many comments linked this to "retro."
To enjoy its unique smokiness and richness, a stronger mizuwari, on the rocks, or half-rocks is best!
Nikka Whisky Black Nikka Deep Blend
Many described this one as "rich" and "punchy."
One reason is that it has the highest alcohol content (45%) among the ones we tried.
This whiskey evokes an image of a relaxed, profound, and mature experience,
so enjoy it slowly on the rocks or with a strong mizuwari (whiskey and water). (^^)
Nikka Whisky Black Nikka Rich Blend
*The label is an old label.
Various fruits were mentioned in the comments!
"Rich Blend" is as smooth, rich, and sweet as its name suggests, and best enjoyed
on the rocks or with a strong mizuwari.
Nikka Whisky Super Nikka
Could it be due to the 43% alcohol content?
There were many comments such as, "Super Nikka has great staying power!" and "The flavor and aroma don't fade!"
It pairs wonderfully with food as a mizuwari, and a highball is also delicious (^^)
Nikka Whisky Hi Nikka
It has a light flavor, and many recommended it as a "mizuwari."
Similar to Suntory Red, it has a lower alcohol content (39%), so you can also enjoy it
straight or on the rocks!
【Summary】
Around 25 members participated in this tasting,
and I asked them to fill out evaluation sheets...
I was a bit overwhelmed by the abundance of comments (^^)💦
Among all the comments, what I experienced and understood most was that:
・For meals, a lighter mix (1:3 or even weaker) is good.
・For enjoying the drink itself, a stronger mix is delicious.
I believe this applies to all whiskies and all drinking methods.
Also, amidst the storm of comments, I noticed the
"diversity of drinking styles."
When Suntory White was first released, it didn't quite suit the Japanese palate.
After that, the post-war boom, combined with factors like liquor taxes,
meant that, regardless of sales volume, there were limits to the quality and variety available.
But now, whisky enthusiasts are increasing among all ages, and
many people are absorbing information about terroir and production methods,
understanding the essence of whisky, and enjoying it more deeply.
That's what we feel while working in our store.
That's why, even for mizuwari,
some prefer it lighter, others stronger.
Half-rocks and twice-up are also good.
Of course, straight, on the rocks, and highball.
I think that's why there were so many comments.
Especially for blended whiskies, which are appealing for their complex harmony,
different drinking methods reveal various facets and depths.
Just like red, white, or sparkling wine,
we can now choose and pair whisky and its drinking style according to the meal or situation, without being bound by its status.
Retro is "classically" cool.
No, it's already a legend.
END
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