Editor’s Note: this review is an archived review written in June, 2017 and does not use the scoring system currently in place.
Kirin 50° “At the Foot of Mt. Fuji” / 50% / $12
Tasted with a splash of Tokyo filtered tapwater
This is a NAS blend from Kirin, produced around Mt. Fuji, sold widely in Japan but which for some reason is selling for $120 or more abroad.
DO NOT PAY $120 OR MORE!!
Their newer bottle is identical to mine, but has “non-chill filtered” added. Mine is definitely chill-filtered. This is ex-bourbon matured mostly grain whisky.
- Color: dark caramel
- Nose: alcohol, caramel, maybe vanilla?
- Taste: hot, woody, stewed blackberry, a hint of spice
- Finish: short, sugary
I think this is more of a mixer whisky (which is great for the Japanese market) to make a nice whisky soda (ハイボール) than a sipping whisky. It’s not really good at all, but it is only $12 right now, sold by Amazon JP.
That said, it’s very hot, young, grain whisky. To the point where it’s much more offensive than other cheap blends.
Rating: 36/100
