Less fruity than the 17 once again, but still a bit tropical with mostly pineapple and banana, with a few drops of pure orange juice. Cocoa, cinnamon, wood spices, and nutty notes. It seems the mizunara took the lead on this older expression. Oaky arrival, with some bitterness and spiciness. Hints of lavender, nail varnish remover and a bit of earthiness. Have they used more mizunara casks on the 21? I can still find mango, papaya, bananas (I didn’t get those on the 17), mirabelles, maybe slightly more tropical than the 17 but without the occidental fruits. More intense than the 17, a little bit spicier and a little less fruity on the first nose. Expect to pay at least £950/€1000 for a bottle on the few shops still having a bottle in stock, and £700 to £1000 on auction. All that I can say is that it will be bottled at 43%, and even more expensive than the 17. Second expression released in 1994 in the Hibiki range, we don’t know much more about its recipe. But what a nose, Cleopatra would turn pale from jealousy. The nose on itself deserved a 92, but the palate not able to be on par makes me cut a few points off. I cannot even complain too much about the low ABV (which Suntory is unfortunately accustomed to) as the palate still delivers. It’s extreme precision, each element is side by side with the others, none taking the advantage, but all working in harmony (pun intended). The nose is absolutely stunning, extremely fruity, with each fruit really discernable. Whilst the palate is maybe slightly inferior to the nose, everything is of a very high level. Long, honey, oak, and lots of fruits, again. Palate:Ī bit of oak, those tropical fruits from the nose, apricot, spices from the mizunara, and a slight bitterness reminiscent of black cherry. Tropical (mango, pineapple, papaya) and occidental ones (oranges, peach, plums). Custard cream, soft spices, and a spoonful of honey. Very fruity from the start, with a medium intensity.
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