Complex but approachable, and sweet without being cloying. Some cookie and caramel notes, soft ripe fruit, and just a bit of smoke. Despite the prominent notes being on the sweeter side, it finishes light, and is borderline refreshing after some sips. Nikka produces many whiskies with lots of character and appeal and this is one of their best. Definitely worth the cost provided you can resist the temptation to drink it all the time and run out before you'd like.

I first had this a couple years ago when my friend brought me a 500 ml. bottle back from Japan. Just as I found out it was becoming available as a 750 in the US, it won whiskey of the year and now will be just as hard to get. It is just liquid gold, with a sweet caramel finish that is so easy to drink. It is as smooth as an aged blend like Blue label, but more character.