A blend using malt whiskies matured in both ex-bourbon and sherry barrels for at least 21 years from both the Miyagikyo and Yoichi distilleries.

This whisky was the pride of its creator Mastaka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka and father of Japanese whisky. 

n: vanilla malt, dry orange citrus (with a hint of clove spice), whif of smoke in the forest, and wet meadow. Inviting heavy wood nose with Fig Newtons, white sugar sweetness, and delicately smoked green tea.

t: Distinctive with dried red fruits and heavy on the toffee. Nice dense mouthfeel with a balance between the wood and original distillate. I get a little walnut fudge and Earl Grey tea (with honey and ginger). Light oak and a lush forest character. Nice rounded whiskey with all-spice and a tease of a sweet smoke in the finish.

Deeper in complexity; but a fun, easy drinker. 

[B+.]

N: Malty, grain cereal, iodine, melted sugar and a bit of wet rust

P: Light bbq notes with brown fruit and wood

F: Funky burnt plastic

n:  Gorgeous and herbal.  Orange bitters, vanilla, and fresh lumber

p:  Burnt toffee and bitters.  Red oak.  Oatmeal and raisin.  Finish goes a bit limp and rubbery.