Hinomaru Whisky Signature 1823

Hinomaru Whisky Signature 1823 Review

6.9 out of 10

Japanese whisky may have a much shorter history than its Scottish or American counterparts, which dominate the global whisky scene, but it never fails to impress with its quality. The Japanese dedication to craftsmanship is truly extraordinary. However, not every Japanese whisky lives up to this reputation. As Japanese whisky’s prestige has grown, many traditional sake and beer breweries have jumped into whisky production, seeing its business potential. While these new entries maintain decent quality standards, they might disappoint those expecting the excellence associated with traditional Japanese whiskies.

Taste
6.9 out of 10
Opens with vanilla and caramel sweetness, gradually revealing oak's pleasant bitterness as you sip. However, the balance seems somewhat off, with flavors feeling a bit disjointed. Beyond the basic whisky characteristics of vanilla and wood, other flavors are hard to detect. On the positive side, despite its high alcohol content, it goes down smoothly without any harshness.<br>
Nose (Aroma)
6.9 out of 10
Elegant and delicate floral notes lead the way. A gentle vanilla sweetness emerges with more time in the glass. As it sits, subtle spicy notes and woody aromas develop. Perhaps influenced by its Japanese heritage, there seems to be a hint of incense-like character.
Finish
6.6 out of 10
The finish, while not particularly complex or profound, delivers satisfactory quality for its price point. It leaves a moderately long aftertaste with notes of spice and sweetness intermingling.
Price
7.2 out of 10
Offers Japanese whisky characteristics at a reasonable price point, making it suitable as a daily drinker. For a Japanese whisky, the price feels almost like a bargain. While it could be a good introduction to Japanese whiskies for beginners, looking at it purely as a whisky, there are many better entry-level options in this price range.<br>

Hinomaru Whisky Signature 1823

No trip to Japan is complete without some whisky shopping. During my recent visit to Osaka, I was particularly intrigued by the extensive lineup from Hinomaru, a distillery that only opened its doors in 2022. Standing in BicCamera’s whisky section, I was amazed by their diverse range of products – quite ambitious for such a young distillery.

What caught my attention was their unique approach to cask management. They’re experimenting with some fascinating combinations. Take their Sakura Edition, for example: it’s aged in bourbon casks before being finished in a rotation of cherry wood (sakura), cherry brandy, sherry, and wine casks. While the idea of sakura wood aging piqued my curiosity, I couldn’t help but wonder about the balance. How long was each finishing period? Could so many different cask influences really work together harmoniously?

I would’ve loved to buy one of each bottle for a proper comparison, but my wallet had other ideas. I settled on their Signature 1823, reasoning that a signature expression would best represent their core style and capabilities.

Always with good food

Back home, sharing it with a friend, I have to admit – it’s a bit disappointing. While the nose and taste are decent for the price point, it falls short of the high expectations that come with the “Japanese whisky” label.

The floral notes are lovely, and there’s a pleasant vanilla sweetness, along with that distinctive Japanese incense-like character. However, the limited depth of flavors is where the disappointment sets in. As a triple-cask whisky (bourbon, rum, and sherry), I expected more complexity and depth. Usually, triple-cask whiskies offer a harmonious blend of distinct flavors – you should be able to detect each cask’s influence. But here, perhaps due to its youth, the balance feels off. The bourbon cask dominates, while the sherry and rum influences are barely noticeable. There’s nothing particularly distinctive about it; it just tastes like… well, whisky. The kind of basic profile you might encounter in your first whisky experience.

My friend’s expression mirrored my thoughts. While it’s not a bad whisky for its price point, it struggles to live up to the premium expectations associated with Japanese whisky. The distillery’s bold experimentation deserves credit, but they need more time to refine their craft.

Final Verdict

The recent boom in Japanese whisky is a double-edged sword. The global success of established brands like Yamazaki and Hibiki has naturally attracted new distilleries to the market – a positive sign for diversity and growth in Japanese whisky. However, Hinomaru Signature 1823 also reveals the challenges of this rapid expansion.

While it offers reasonable value for money, it struggles against its price-point competitors, particularly 12-year-old Scotch whiskies that benefit from generations of expertise and proper aging. The experimental spirit is commendable, but the execution needs time to mature. Like their whisky, this young distillery shows promise but requires more time to reach its full potential.