A little background

Meiyo 17 year is a single grain, Japanese whisky. This particular expression was aged for its entire 17 years in ex-bourbon barrels. “Meiyo” in Japanese means “honor”, which is one of the seven virtues of Bushido that is practiced by the Samurai. This whisky is only available in the United States (the trade off for the good Blanton’s versions, maybe?) Meiyo 17 year retails for around $300, and sits at 94 proof.

(Tasted neat from a Halo Glass)

Color

Honey

Nose

The nose is incredible. It actually smells way more like a bourbon than it does a Japanese whisky (likely due to the fact that it was aged in bourbon barrels)! It is rich with notes of bourbon-soaked blood oranges, sweet salted caramel, and oak. Cinnamon and vanilla also make themselves present upon a heavier nosing.

Palate

The mouth is thick and oily. It is filled with notes of maple, sweet rhubarb, pecan pie, and cinnamon on the mid-back palate. On the back palate exists notes of stewed fruits, baking spices and toasted nuts. This is delicious, I would drink this any day of the week.

Finish

The finish is medium-long and is heavy with notes of root beer, cinnamon, and dark fruits on the back palate. Notes of toasted nuts coat the mid-back palate for the duration of the finish.

In closing

This is the best Japanese whisky I’ve had yet! It is truly amazing. I was surprised how it tasted strictly like bourbon rather than Japanese whisky. It was wonderful. If you have the chance to get this, and enjoy lower proof whisky, this is the one to get. I typically drink barrel proof, and I enjoyed this a lot!