Ryuka NewBorn 2024

Ryuka NewBorn 2024 Review

8 out of 10

Japanese whisky is always like this. Looking at the price, you think “Why is a 2-year NAS (No Age Statement) whisky so expensive?” But once you taste it, you feel frustrated thinking “Why does it taste so good?” While I sometimes think Japanese whisky prices are getting a bit out of hand, what can you do… when it tastes so good?

Taste
8 out of 10
Complex aromas of raisins, grapes, leather, and chocolate are accompanied by one of this whisky's distinctive features – a "jang" (fermented paste) scent. This isn't soy sauce, but literally a fermented paste aroma – an ambiguous scent that only those familiar with Asian cultures would understand. However, befitting its 2-year aging, there's an unavoidably harsh alcoholic note, especially given its high proof. The subtle leather aroma is particularly pleasant.
Nose (Aroma)
8.3 out of 10
The distinctive soy sauce aroma influences the taste. It's almost salty but not quite… accompanied by the rich sweetness of raisins and grapes. They say it's aged in Oloroso casks, and indeed the intense Oloroso sherry flavor seems to linger until the end. The high alcohol content adds a spicy kick. But surprisingly, it's smooth. Adding a little water makes it even smoother, highlighting only its best qualities.
Finish
8 out of 10
In the finish, the soy sauce aroma appears subtly, blending harmoniously with dark chocolate's bitterness and sugar's sweetness without being unpleasant. While the overall body is somewhat light, the strong throat feel from the high alcohol content and a surprisingly long finish leave a satisfying aftertaste.
Price
7.6 out of 10
Japanese whisky prices seem to keep rising. While people used to react with "Why is this so expensive?!", now it seems the market has just accepted these prices as normal. Since they've successfully differentiated themselves with the unique taste of Japanese whisky, I'm starting to understand it too.

Ryuka NewBorn 2024

When I have travel or business trips, I try to choose routes with layovers at Japanese airports. First, because I can buy Japanese whisky at duty-free shops for better prices (obviously), and second, because Japanese airport food is delicious.

Interestingly, while at most foreign airports I end up looking for franchises due to poor food quality, Japanese airports consistently serve good food everywhere. It feels like they carefully select vendors, treating airport visitors as guests of the nation. This attention to detail is impressive, typical of Japan.

That’s how I ended up buying Ryuka New Born 2024. While I heard the 2023 version had a unique fermented paste aroma, I never tried it. I was considering Suntory but opted for this new experience, which proved very satisfying.

While there’s definitely a fermented paste aroma, it’s pleasantly subtle, blending with sherry notes. There are hints of raisins, leather, and vanilla. The high alcohol content inevitably creates sharp alcoholic notes – understandable for 2-year aging, which typically results in rougher aromas and tastes.

Nevertheless, it has a long finish with lingering sweetness. The fermented paste note continues throughout, making for a satisfying whisky. It’s remarkable how they achieved such flavor with just 2 years of aging. While I don’t consider age statements crucial… this seems like a brilliant business achievement.

Japanese whisky’s strength lies in its balanced taste, reflecting Japan’s pursuit of perfection, and this whisky exemplifies that balance perfectly.

It paired excellently with dim sum at a Chinese restaurant.

Final Verdict

As Japanese whisky gained global attention, prices have skyrocketed, making casual purchases harder than before. Brands like Yamazaki and Hibiki, which used to be easy to find and buy, are now treated like luxury items.

Still, when opportunities arise to taste it at relatively reasonable prices, I highly recommend giving it a try. Like Scotch with its weighty tradition and Bourbon with its sweet charm, Japanese whisky seems to be developing its own distinct character.

Just as Japanese craftsmen pour their soul into each tool, Japanese whisky embodies their precision and pursuit of perfection. Each sip reveals a subtle balance and refined taste that seems to reflect Japan’s national character.

Yes, it’s a shame these whiskies cost more now, but they’re really that good. Sometimes quality is worth paying for. I strongly recommend!