The phoenix blend. Apparently only 500 bottles. Interesting story is that according to the bartender, this supposedly is a combination of over 25 year old Yamazaki (which includes some sherried Yama) and 25 year old grain. This is the "sister" blend to the infamous Suntory Wa-kyo in that both use a similar composition where the Houga blend was sold in Kagoshima's Kinko liquor shop, Wa-kyo was sold in Tokyo's Shinanoya. I really liked Wa-kyo, it was such a savory experience, I hope this is on similar ground or better.

Nose: full bodied, pan fried string beans, light burnt sugar, toasted saltine crackers, honey on fried beef.

Palate: medium to full bodied, initial palate is a light sweetness, mid palate has a slightly smoked syrup flavor, brown sugar, caramel, gummy candy, flavors are surprisingly clear, back palate has the sugar sweetness really pop out, smoked caramel, fudge? Overall very sweet. Notably not as awesome as Wa-kyo, more "darker" flavors.

Finish: medium, brown sugar, light honey, chocolate.

I wrote up these notes before the bartender told me the history of this bottle.
For a low abv-er it does extremely well. Tastes like a thick caramel syrup than anything, but executes quite well as the flavors are crisp although slightly constrained. I have a feeling some old sherry is in here. Reminds me more of Nikka than Suntory though. Been hitting a string of some really sweet pours, blends and IBs. I'm going to be conservative on this one even though it's admirably tasty.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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