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Whiskey Review: Kikori Whiskey

We review Kikori Whiskey, the first Japanese rice whiskey to be widely distributed in the United States.

OVERALL RATING

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Kikori Whiskey

Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
Kikori has a rich chardonnay color in the bottle and more of a pinot grigio complexion in the glass, with the quick legs to match.
Nose:
Kikori is first reminiscent of sweat pea flowers, then reveals sandalwood and fresh cut grass.
Palate:
The palate is delicate, with notes of Botan Rice Candy wrapper, grain, orange blossom. Aside from the tingling left on the tongue, the finish is surprisingly dull (I actually found the finish more pronounced over the hand-carved ice). Conclusion: While Kikori is definitely different from soju and shochu (especially with its higher ABV), traditional Japanese whisky drinkers may find Kikori unsatisfying to their palate. However, it is apples to oranges, and those looking for a lighter option and cocktail staple will be thrilled to now have this as an option. Kikori is currently available in a range of Western states for around $47 a bottle. FINAL SCORE: 83/100 [SHOP FOR A BOTTLE OF KIKORI WHISKEY]
Finish:
Comments:

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Lindsay Brandon

Lindsay Brandon, a Seattle native, cultivated a passion for whiskey during her formative years spent studying in Galway, Ireland, where she explored numerous distilleries. Her journey continued behind the bar, working in establishments renowned for their extensive whiskey collections, which deepened her understanding of regional production and distilling methods. Lindsay currently contributes to oregonsportsnews.com, covering sports, Pacific Northwest activities, and occasional legal analysis.

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