(한국어 시음기 밑에 있어요!)
Usually when most people think of Japanese whisky, the first thing that comes to mind are the fantastic single malts of Nikka's Yoichi and Suntory's Yamazaki distilleries, or the impressive blended whiskies in Suntory's Hibiki lineup. Yet the Chita, a relatively recent addition to Suntory's arsenal of whisky, is neither. It is a rarity in the sense that it's a Japanese single grain whisky, though in all honestly (controversial opinion time!), looking at its predominantly corn mash-bill, it's essentially the closest thing to a bourbon that you will get in Japan. I'm not saying it is one, because the way it's blended together clearly does not fit the definition of "Bourbon", but it starts its life like one.
Controversial opinions aside, this whisky, or at least its component single cask grain whiskies, forms the base of many of Suntory's blended whisky offerings, from the Kakubin, to the Toki, all the way up to the Hibiki range. The distillery it's from, the Chita distillery in Aichi prefecture, produces all of the grain spirits and grain whiskies used in Suntory products and actually did not even produce its own bottling until 2015, when the Japanese whisky crisis started and Suntory began to diversify their lineup.
It should be noted that it's made from a combination of grain whiskies that have been matured in three types of cask: Sherry, wine and bourbon. These single cask whiskies are then blended together, diluted and then bottled as a NAS product. Remember I said that it's basically a bourbon mash-bill that they use? Well, this blending actually gives it a delicate profile more akin to a really good white wine, rather than an American bourbon. Anyway, it's time to review!
Vitals:
ABV: 43%
Colour: Chardonnay, oaked white wine.
Chill-filtered: Likely, due to the relatively low proof.
Nose: There is a strong vanilla, buttery and lemon note that has an almost candy like vibe to it. It’s quite sweet smelling with a tiny hint of wood. Notes of Lemon mint candy. There’s also a faint popcorn like note, which is understandable as corn is the dominant grain. 21/25
Palate: It has quite a tart, citrus-y punch to it. It reminds be a bit of Yujacha/Yuzu tea in the way that the citrus and honey notes compliment each other well. There’s some barrel spice from the wood, but it’s relatively mild and inoffensive. Almost too inoffensive. 18/25
Finish: Light, sweet and short with more lemons, vanilla and a few earthy, almost mineral like notes. Extremely delicate like a fresh white wine. Perfect for an aperitif. 24/25
Value*: Priced at the same level as 10 year old Scotch expressions. One of the cheapest Japanese whiskies you will find in Korea, but still over double what it retails for in Japan. Insane Korean taxes on whisky make this entry level whisky far, far more expensive than it should be. 10/25
Conclusion:
Overall, a surprisingly enjoyable whisky that’s light, refreshing and easy to drink. It lacks considerably in character compared to the Hibiki, which uses this very whisky as its base. Yet despite that it can stand on its own two feet and is superior to many blends and even some single malts in the same price range in its native country. It’s a perfect little sipper for novice drinkers who want something that will ease them into the world of whisky without challenging them too much.
Basic Rating: 84%
Price Adjusted Rating*: 73%
Daily Drinker: Yes, absolutely if you can get it at a good price.
Possible pairing: Seafood. it's just too white wine-like NOT to pair with it.
Where to find in Korea: Namdaemun market or Wine & More
TLDR Version:
N: Vanilla → butter, lemons, popcorn → Mild wood
P: tart citrus, pepper → Yujacha/Yuzu tea and honey. Mild wood spice.
F: Short with lemons, vanilla and white wine-like mineral notes
V: Great price in Japan, but far too expensive in Korea
C: light, refreshing and easy to drink
한국어 시음평:
향: 바닐라, 꿀, 약간의 민트 → 버터에 구운 옥수수, 보리차 → 후추, 우드, 약간의 크림브륄레와 가죽 향
맛: 약간의 후추 → 유자케이크,유자차, 바닐라, . 굉장히 심플합니다.
끝맛: 레몬, 화이트 와인. 피니시가 굉장히 짧습니다.
결론: 굉장히 심플하면서 가볍게 마실 수 있는 위스키입니다. 저만의 히비키 블렌드를 만들지 않았다면 하이볼로 만들어 먹기에 딱 좋았을 것 같네요ㅎ
Buy / Mooch / Pass: Buy if you visit Japan, otherwise pass.
Review by Glasgowhisky
2020/01/27
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