Japanese Wines

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Suntory The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Aged 18 Years

Price $120

This is an excellent special-occasion single malt from Suntory. Look for a bold, luscious butterscotch, note, enlivened by touches of stone fruit, lychee, and a faint hint of smoke. The buttery-soft texture and amber color with bright orange-gold highlights add to the luxe experience. — K.N. (2/1/2013)

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Nikka Yoichi 15 Year Old

Price $130

This elegant single malt from Nikka bears a dark, vibrant gold color, with smoke and caramel aromas. On the palate, look for well-balanced notes of citrus peel, cedar and oak, and a gentle waft of smoke. An astringent sensation on the finish sets the mouth watering, leading to a full-bodied, almost oily texture. Recommended for sipping neat. — K.N. (2/1/2013)

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Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt 12 Year Old

Price $70

Bright gold in color and fresh, this single malt from Nikka offers a pitch-perfect balance of fruit, oak and smoke. On the palate, this translates to fresh apple and subtle vanilla flavors that taper smoothly. — K.N. (2/1/2013)

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Hibiki Aged 12 Years Whisky

Price $65

With a little water, this golden blended whisky opens up to delicate, nuanced honey and floral aromas and flavors. Finishes smoky, dry and brisk. — K.N. (3/1/2011)

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The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky

Price $45

Apple and pear aromas, and delicate floral and fruity flavors. This Japanese whisky finishes smoky, elegant and restrained. — K.N. (3/1/2011)

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Suntory The Hakashu Japanese Whisky Aged 12 Years

Best Buy

Price $45

Fans of smoky Islay Scotches will enjoy this smoky single malt that’s made at Suntory’s Hakashu Distillery, which is “surrounded by forest at the foot of the Southern Japan Alps.” Despite the delicate aromas of tropical fruit and light peat, the smoke note is considerably amplified on the palate, especially on the resonant finish, where it pushes those dainty fruit… — K.N. (2/1/2013)

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Croix Toriino 2005 Nigori Yamanashi Limited Edition Unfiltered Koshu (Kyoto)

Online Exclusive

Price $24

What a fun and intriguing discovery is to be found in the unfiltered version of this Japanese variety. Mouthwatering aromas of grapefruit and apple are followed by sweet but balanced grapefruit and citrus flavors. Interestingly, the flavors are fresh but the mouthfeel creamy. The finish is light. Drink as an aperitif or pair with spicy food. — S.K. (8/1/2007)

85-89

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Zen Green Tea Liqueur

Online Exclusive

Price $30

The bouquet is delicately herbal, honey sweet and properly tea-like. The palate entry is sweet, syrupy and vaguely green tea-like, but then in the midpalate phase the green tea flavor emerges with greater authority, making for pleasing quaffing. Concludes softly herbal and sweet. — P.P. (12/1/2007)

Most Reviewed Varietals

Other White

Most Reviewed Wineries

Croix Toriino Hibiki Nikka Suntory The Yamazaki Zen

2010 Bogle Old Vine

What a delicious Zin this is. Sourced from the warm climates of Lodi and…

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