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A Tougouchi review
A Tougouchi review
Yes, another one. Because I already did a Togouchi review a while ago.
In this case, the Togouchi Shiki Travel Exclusive.
And after mention that name many times in a few sentences, this is why I have it:
When I woke up and checked my messages one morning, I noticed I had a message from my father in law: "Tim, I'm in Japan, at the airport, do I need to bring a bottle of something?"
I realised it was send 7 hours earlier and I assumed I was too late with ordering something. I did, however, leave him a short list of some Japanese brands I'm always interested in, since they are way cheaper to buy in Japan than in the EU.
And because my father in law travels a lot for work, I know he would be back in Japan another time.
However, that weekend, when the inlaws visited us, he brought me this bottle. Because: "It says Travel Exclusive, so I brought this one. And I like the box."
And you know, I like a Travel Retail Exclusive. They can be quite fun!
Togouchi has a fun story behind the brand. But I wrote about that in an earlier blog.
This whisky, bottled by the Sakurao group, is a Japanese blended whisky with a decent price range. As opposed to my previous Togouchi, this one states: " Distilled and bottled by Sakurao distillery." This makes me assume that the blend will contain Japanese whisky this time.
Inside the box a short story tells us about this dram:
"As they grow up in Japanese mountains, seas, rivers, and other natural environments, the trees, plants, and animals around us change how they appear to match the season. With an aroma and flavor that subtly change from the fruity top aroma to the deep, lingering finish, Blended Japanese Whisky TOGOUCHI SHIKI is an expression of the beautifully changing four seasons of Japan."
Well, let's dive into that and see if we can get that description!
The back of the bottle offers a guarantee that it contains 100% whiskies that are 3 years or older and 100% spirits distilled from grain.
It was bottled at 45% Vol.
Twirling it in my glass leaves asoft layer remaining, just enough to form a thin line that disappears in the liquid below. The color is that of a dark yellowed straw.
On the nose there is a lot happening at the sametime. Like having a room full of children preparing for an orchestra and tuning their instruments.
At first some mocha powder with hints of cocoa. After that a mix of fresh orange peels mixed with some vanilla. It actually hits as being quite fruity after those deeper, darker notes. Which are dominant at the beginning, but kind and soft.
Taking a sip, I get a mellow blend of warm apple sauce mixed with some red chilli flakes. All covered with a spoonful of thin honey and sprinkled with some toasted grains. A second sip also gives me some sweet and bitter combination of milk chocolate.
The finish starts with a darker note of chocolate and even more going towards a strong espresso coffee. It leaves a dry feeling on the tongue, slightly tingling the surface. Breathing in over the mouth brings back the mocha powder that we first encountered on the nose.
Thanks Tammo, for flying bottles in for my selection!
Other Japanese whiskies
Other Japanese whiskies
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