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Whisky Review: Tenjaku Japanese Whisky

We review Tenjaku Whisky. It's a Japanese whisky made mostly from corn and aged in ex-bourbon barrels.

OVERALL RATING

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Tenjaku Japanese Whisky (image via Cindi Caparelli)

Tasting Notes

About:

Tenjaku Japanese Whisky is 40 proof, made from 86% corn and 14% barley and aged three years in bourbon barrels. Find a 750mL bottle for $40 in select US markets.
Appearance:
This liquid is a pale golden amber that coats the glass and forms a ridge of fine tears before becoming broad legs.
Nose:
Aromas of raw grain and old wood come through first, with something dark and funky underneath – amber perfume and burnt sugar.
Palate:
in the winemaking and whisky industries since the 1990’s. He poignantly put his dedication into words: “Be generous with time for your craft.” For Tenjaku Japanese Whisky, Watanabe sourced unprocessed whisky and double pot-distilled the liquid before aging it in Kentucky bourbon barrels. He then created the final blend from three-year, five-year, and six-year whiskies. In addition to the blended whiskey, Tenjaku are also producing a pure malt whisky. Tenjaku Japanese Whisky (image via Cindy Caparelli/The Whiskey Wash) Tasting Notes: Tenjaku Japanese Whisky Vital Stats: Tenjaku Japanese Whisky is 40 proof, made from 86% corn and 14% barley and aged three years in bourbon barrels. Find a 750mL bottle for $40 in select US markets. Appearance: This liquid is a pale golden amber that coats the glass and forms a ridge of fine tears before becoming broad legs. Nose: Aromas of raw grain and old wood come through first, with something dark and funky underneath – amber perfume and burnt sugar. Palate: On the palate, this whisky has a smooth and subtle gentle cereal sweetness. Caramel tones predominate, with leather and toasted rice coming through on the mid palate. An herbal bitterness hits on the back of the tongue.
Finish:
Comments:
This is a pleasant, balanced sipper. The pure and clear flavor goals of the brand are well covered. Dare I say it’s a peaceful whisky? The bourbon barreling gives it just enough richness to keep it interesting. At this price point it looks like a good buy for fans of the Japanese style.

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.

Cindy Capparelli

Cindy Capperelli is the visionary founder of Portland Bitters Project, established in 2014 with the ambition to craft the finest bitters available. Today, her bitters are savored across the United States and internationally, enhancing cocktails with expressive flavors. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Cindy shares her expertise as an instructor at two Portland colleges. She also engages with private groups, distilleries, and maker's spaces, advocating for the use of high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Cindy empowers her students with the confidence and knowledge to create exceptional drinks at home, experiment with tinctures, and enrich their overall food and beverage experiences.

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