Hatozaki Japanese Whisky Review

[@KillKing121]

Considering you guys are solely responsible for getting me into whiskey, I'd say every dollar I've spent on it is because of you guys.

[@calebsuydam2502]

Same

[@sklur]

This. So much this.

[@drthmik]

Likewise

[@maskjackson58]

Definitely this ^^

[@jjfalstaff]

Lol Exactly!

[@alkapp]

This channel was a very strong influence on my exploration of whiskey. I recall starting off with Monkey Shoulder, Green Spot and Redbreast. I also once passed on the only bottle of Blanton's I've ever seen at a grocery store because I was more interested in buying the Balcones Texas single malt.

[@SwapBlogRU]

That lineup doesn't sound like a bad one to start from.

[@Nightfury0000]

When searching for a good Japanese whisky a while back I had found Hatozaki. In my research it seemed like their blended whisky was unimpressive like you guys noted. However, their Hatozaki Small Batch was rated higher and it's one of my personal faves. It's also a blend of 100% malt whisky and 46% ABV

[@NushiSama]

Very much agree the Small Batch is very good for the price

[@kevinmoehring8259]

that's my hangup about japanese whisky. Some of the best whisky I've ever had and some of the worst I've ever had come from Japan. It's really hard to filter the good from the bad.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Just buy Kavalan

[@phreakmac4361]

My entire collection is due to you guys! Probably $5-6000 worth. Thanks!

[@MacBuxton]

I have Been watching since early 2020, and from 2020 -2021 I bought 25/30 different bottles because of the reviews. spending from 20 to 150 bucks on a bottle. I love watching to see what I can find in the stores after your reviews. You guy are the Best Whiskey Channel Out there.

[@mattwolfe3344]

I just bought a bottle of Habiki harmony and redbreast 12 cask. I've been bingeing about a month now. You guys are great.

[@TexanAmerican]

Please do the poll! I'd love to know. I've bought so many bottles just after watching y'all talk about something, and it really opened my eyes and my palate to a whole new world. Money, yeah I don't tell my wife how much I spend.

[@The_Jedi_Teacher]

I picked up a bottle of the Hatozaki Omakase expression. It is crafted from a selection of 10 barrels, and in my opinion, is one of my favorite Japanese single malts I've tasted. The mizunara on the Omakase really shines on the finish while the palate is a great balance of traditional Japanese malt, but there is a sweetness to it as well which I really enjoyed.

[@wingracer1614]

Well those barrels probably came from Scotland so of course it's good.

[@FedericoPrieto13]

@user-wy6cs6kc5h I think it's appropriate to say that you love Kanji labels, because the liquid inside is probably Ben Nevis or Glenfiddich.

[@Wilvekio69]

Happy Friday MB's

[@JesseCohen]

This stuff wound up on our shelf at TJ’s for a minute last year. $59.99 usd if memory serves. Even with a employee discount, and plenty of curiosity about the Japanese whiskey space, I couldn’t give this a go. Kinda glad I did that. I don’t have a endless budget, so I’ve been able to narrow my selections to expressions that bring specific notes and elements to my tasting experience. And by passing on this, I landed a Suntory Habiki for $10 more. Glad I wasn’t too off base…

[@jaybird4834]

Ok I have found my favorite rye due to one of your videos. It was on Catoctin Creek rye. I have bought 4 or so bottles of the cast strength so around $360. I have also tried a few other whiskeys based on your reviews. I would say $500 over the last 15months.

[@robviousobviously5757]

is Neu Maki a brand of Japanese whisk(e)y?

[@Wabbitsw]

I want the poll.

[@micahdubas9454]

Thank you for reviewing this one. I've been contemplating getting it, now.....I'm not. Thanks for saving me some dough for a more suitable purchase.

[@JAF30]

Instead of being a person who only buys the same thing over and over again and actually have a experimental bottles that I bought just because of this channel. I think you had a impact.

[@JazznRealHipHop]

I’ve been watching about 4 years, and learn a lot about many, many different whiskeys. And there’s many bottles I’d like to purchase because of your reviews, but I don’t think I’ve bought a bottle strictly because of a review. At least not yet. I usually look up a bottle after I buy it, curious how others felt about it and get a sense of what I’m getting into tho I usually have a fair idea before I purchase

[@DemonbreedGaming]

i generally don't buy too many whiskies without watching your guys' review on it first tbh. I've only bought a few without your reviews (and was pleasantly surprised). I've also bought a bottle or two without watching, watched at home and saw you didn't like it, and then found out I did like it though.

[@jjfalstaff]

I was just joking or half joking, but I've noticed that Laphroaig 10, for example, was a great poor man's Lagavulin. But now Laphroaig is 65+ and Lagavulin is over 100. I remember when these for 30 & 60 respectively. And it wasn't that long ago. Love the channel. Love the content. Keep it up.

[@halcyondraconis7437]

I bought a bottle of Redbreast 12 primarily because it's so loved here when I was wanting a new Irish after emptying my last bottle of Jameson.

[@russflynn]

A buddy of mine will periodically bring over an unfamiliar bottle for me to taste totally blind. Last time he swung by that was they whisky he brought. I gotta say, I thought it was reaaally cool and unique. It reminded me a lot of Korenwijn-style Dutch genever (minus the juniper character, of course), which is a spirit category I absolutely love. For those who aren't familiar, genever is essentially proto-gin. I think I'm probably more into younger spirits than you guys are; I can be a real fan of that grainy character that you guys seem to find undesirable.

[@cigarsparrow]

Agreed. I still have three bottles in the liquor closet. I thoroughly enjoy it.

[@gmcg8775]

You should write reviews and sell them as a sleep aid! I nodded off twice reading your comment! Joking buddy! I’m now going to have to check out genever.

[@SanskarWagley]

Happy Friday MBs!

[@hamo4558]

Yes, please do a poll !

[@eviltrain24]

I don't know. I'd have to think back all the way to 2020. More than anything, you guys have turned my attention to this and that and then I'd go further down those rabbit hole to get more reviews and information. Maybe 3k since 2020?

[@anothertickintime5578]

Indecision, from Frasier Valley is the ONLY bottle I purchased because of a Vault video and I hate it, so 32.99 is my total, but I would be interested in seeing another poll.

[@dongelhotjr3489]

100% I purchased 12yo redbreast and 107 weller because of you all. Love the redbreast more than the weller I think .

[@milessakauye8819]

You need to do the poll!!! For sure I know I've purchased bottles from a video. Especially when I was first starting out.

[@tjbimble9739]

You have broadened my knowledge, my palate and my collection. Thank you

[@patrickhudson9236]

I started my collection because of this channel. I’ve spent about 700 to 1000 so far. And I don’t regret any of it!!!!😎 I still don’t have any Japanese whiskey YET! 🤷‍♂️

[@safeman33]

Please do the pole. You are why I first tried American Single Malt. You are the reason I tried Balcones. You are the reason I tried several different bottles.

[@Crombie531]

I just picked up the Hatozaki Small Batch two days. Ago it looks nothing like that. I get apples, vanilla, and lemongrass on the front and classic Speyside on the back end. And I’ve been watching since 2019 thanks to the Modern Rouges. I’ve ballparking about $1,500 from your reviews and another $1000 on my own.

[@gfghjfgfghfj]

I got talked into trying Hatozaki one time when I couldn't get what I wanted. The only flavor profile I got from Hatozaki was the taste and aroma of morning breath

[@cigarsparrow]

I bought a bottle in the past summer & my buddies & I loved it. I went back & bought the last six bottles they had. We got a fresh coconut water note from it. We found it pairs really well with cigars. Tryyyyyy it!

[@tadpoleAcres]

Being in central PA, we get what we get and be happy with it, very few things on the reviews will ever be seen in PA. I have bought things and they were subsequently reviewed later.

[@EddCroucher]

One of only a few whiskeys I did not bother finishing. Gave 90% of it to my mother for mixers.

[@danswank3378]

It's dry weeks coming or is it over?

[@robviousobviously5757]

blackout again?

[@lftvmsk8]

What do you think of Jefferson ocean aged at sea small batch

[@wasabista1613]

I got pretty much all my whisky knowledge from Daniel and Rex. Before I watched this channel I thought whiskey = Johnny Walker and bourbon = Jim Beam. So I don't even want to say how much of my annual spending on whiskey is because I saw it on the Whisk[e]y Vault.

[@brendandorsey-spitz7480]

Do the survey! I think you’ll be surprised at how influential this channel and the reviews truly are when selecting bottles.

[@leeknowlton7303]

Daniel, how much longer will Rex be wearing your hair piece?

[@n0bly_hades]

Thanks for the review! Saw this in my liquor store, and now I know how it is! Saving my bucks

[@MadMark118]

Give us a poll!

[@mikethompson9118]

Exact same experience I had with it. Glad to see others have similar experience after I've dived in myself.

[@Backroad_Junkie]

Still think they should put the number of videos shot that day someplace. I think it would explain much of (especially Rex's) behavior if we know how many shows were taped that day, lol...

[@kfree21]

Did a little digging and this is not made or sourced from Akashi Disllery, aka Eigashima White Oak Distillery, but where they are located is also in the town of Akashi.

[@BelfryHex]

It's kind of easy for me to say "I bought this because Daniel and Rex reviewed it" because you guys have reviewed every whiskey known to man, twice!

[@CT393]

I have bought a lot of bottles specifically based on reviews, that's for sure.

[@Whamth]

I’m most of the way through a bottle of Hatozaki and I checked out this video to validate my unimpressedness with it. It’s basically only good for highballs, and not even perfect for that. Suntory Toki is much better in that application. I think that demand has outstripped supply for Japanese whiskey so much lately, prices for the good ones have gone up so much, and that’s the only way Hatozaki has a market. In the ~$40 range of Japanese whiskey, I’ve been loving Kikori lately. Looking forward to trying Akashi.

[@coachster]

Could you take something as young as this Hatozaki and age it again? Do the poll! I bought the Classic Laddie and Redbreast 12 because of this channel. Tried to get a Hibiki Harmony Master’s select at DFW airport duty free last month before I flew home to Toronto, but they were out of stock and I didn’t have time to run over to the other terminal.

[@bigwi7613]

Is the pole over?

[@koendenhaan8571]

When ever I open a bottle of peated whisky the first glass (and especislly the first sip) tastes very peated. However, when the bottle is half to 3/4 empty I hardly experience any peat (even if it's my first glass of the night). Does the peat taste just evaporate fast? I usually empty a bottle in a month.

[@aaronowens6617]

I almost bought some Japanese whiskey today but got Penelope barrel strength instead. How many push up you do a day Rex? I did 25 push ups everyday last February. It was much harder than I thought it was gonna be. I continued my push ups the next month but bumped thr count to 30 and then to 35 the month after that. Then life too hold of me and shook me around like a rag doll.

[@SwapBlogRU]

I seem to have become such an alcoholic that I recognize some of the whiskies in the background, despite them beng so blurry. I definitely see Dewar's and Famous Grouse, I think I see some others which I won't name because I might be wrong. I'd honestly like to see a whisky collection tour around the vault.

[@joshimitsu96]

Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Laphroaig. Buffalo trace, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Elijah Craig, Bulleit 95 Rye. Missing a couple and I'm wanting to try redbreast.

[@kunzilla]

I wonder what would happen if you put this already bottled whiskey back into a barrel for 3, 5 maybe 10 years. To fill the whole barrel, of course.

[@alfamaize]

Buying because of this channel- big brands- Red Breast 12 (one bottle) Wild Turkey 101- 2 bottles; small- Balcones single malt, Eastern Kille BoB Bourbon. Inbetween- Stranahans SingleMalt.... IIRC, that's about $350 for all of those. And that does not count the shots bought at bars.

[@darrenj9013]

I've definitely purchased some bottles because you guys have given them good reviews, but on the other hand I've skipped a few bottles that you didn't like that much.

[@mackal]

They're hand made AFAIK. I've noticed some have a bigger "bowl" at the bottom of the glass.

[@Whiskeyaficionado]

Very Nice indeed, I do love your work. I managed my 100th review although had stopped for quite a while "Slainte Guys" 💚

[@YoJimBo851610]

Daniel wants a poll

[@PartyRockProfessional]

Rex, I 100% agree. Whiskey shipping laws are SO dumb.

[@timocenter2024]

I bought a bottle of this when I turned 18, as part of a purchase of bottles 'just to try', as I had not had had much experience drinking whisky yet. Hated it, and was so disappointed especially considering the price. Some 5 years later that bottle is still half full, not sure what to do with it.

[@joeyoliver504]

I got excited when I saw this and I'm wondering if i got a bad batch but it was the worst whisky I have every had let alone alcohol. I gave it as a joke shot to people who both love and hate whisky and all hated it. I did try it not long after Nikka from the barrel so that doesn't help but I have the bottle as a joke because of how bad I thought it was

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks for the video guys 🥃

[@Dinie09]

At least $2k, I buy a lot after you guys review. Probably a good 20% of my collection

[@jacobpierce105]

3 minutes ago?! thats the quickest to a vid ive made :)

[@MrAvalon82]

alot of money, and every cent ive spent of whickey that was recommended by you guys was top notch and delicious. i wish i could order straight from you guys. but alas the mail is stupid

[@viktorbryce951]

I'd actually like to see that poll myself.

[@j_rosenberg]

Do the poll…no really. This channel is the reason I started drinking whisky and just knowing how much I’ve spent on whisky makes me curious about how much everyone has spent collectively

[@aner_bda]

Do the poll.

[@ericejoyce]

I bet Hatozaki doesn't get bought after this video, but I bought it before I watched. Honestly it's different enough that it was okay. Sometimes boring is good. Chill and sip.

[@stereodreamer23]

I actually like that cereal, malty white fruit note in some whiskeys. Then again, I prefer Irish to Scotch. I might need to track down a bottle of this...

[@chawks37ckt]

Do the poll!

[@jjy3k10]

I've got the Hatozaki Small Batch, and even though its not real Japanese whiskey it's still everything I want a whiskey to be i.e. scotch. On another note in 2018 I decided to get into whiskey and found you guys around the same time. Been watching and enjoying whiskey since then. I've also introduced whiskey to my friends and they've gone down their own whiskey journeys and we reconvene and swap whiskeys from time to time. Now I'm not saying you guys got me into whiskey, but I've dived so much deeper into it than I would have on my own. Take that was you will.

[@coreyclark6505]

Funny... the color was the only reason I haven't picked this one up and tried it yet.. It wasn't worth the price tag for me until I knew more.

[@rometimed1382]

I'm gonna go $500. I don't know but I think maybe there's a handful of whiskeys I've purchased to test thanks to this place.

[@isherpa]

First time I tried Hatozaki, I thought it was tequila. Glad to get another video from you guys, sad it got wasted on this junk

[@jquinlan]

Had Michter's American based on the show.

[@tommccafferty5591]

Would you rather eat lunch or walk to school?

[@timshulepov]

7:28 -- Rex, please keep Daniel off the pole.

[@ThriftyWhiskey]

So 1. You can affiliate link with Drizly. 2. Redo the budget videos and see what people think is "budget" in terms of price today. Previously is was $30, what is it now. Etc.

[@henryturner4739]

RR13 is a solid completion whiskey.

[@gorman3810]

in fact, it's a really good whiskey, clean and light, without artificial caramel color, maybe you're advertising a few other companies 

[@thelion43]

Up to is like saying Daniel is up to 6ft 😂

[@thomasschmidtdk]

Do the poll😬

[@vintageswiss9096]

After 7 years of intros they are finally starting to question their lives... End of video edit: I've never spent a single dollar because of any of your videos... but I HAVE kept myself from wasting money because of your honest reviews. You need multiple poll options.

[@robviousobviously5757]

GOOD MORNING YOU MB'S.... 🥃 TGIRWF...

[@wookie4798]

I purchased Monkey Shoulder because of your recommendation, and won't use your recommendations for another bottle.

[@JRMshadow260a]

Wow, Rex looks just like a soccer mom that lives down the street from me.... Sun glasses, pony tail, and the beard, However his is shorter than hers is... LOL

[@jaime_hi-meh_not_jay-mee7095]

Practically everything I know about whiskies came from watching ALL of the Vault and Tribe episodes. Watching leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to desire, desire leads to kung fu!

[@justinta1607]

Sounds like since it is a blend, it could be one of the blends is up to 12. That would be my not so knowledgeable guess. Though yes, the label does over sell expectations

[@Martybum]

I'm not a fan of young whisky either, but it is a bit disappointing to see you guys rag on the colour, and even more to see most people in the comments agree with you. I'd say a very lightly colored whisky in a clear bottle is a great thing. You'd probably be surprised how many 8-12 year old scotches would look similar without artificial coloring...

[@kvetcha]

I’ve only had the Hatozaki Small Batch, which is rather nice, but very delicate. Cereal, green apple, lemon zest, that sort of thing. Certainly not a flavor bomb.

[@kahless0173]

my total would be pretty high. i didnt really drink before i watched the channel. so just about everything ive bought except an arran bottling i bought while i was in belgium. was just monkey should for a bit. then michters american whiskey, then moved on to wee beasite and port charlotte.

[@seiichirou]

About Hatozaki Whiskey Although it calls itself "Japanese Whisky," it is almost exclusively for export and is rarely available on the Japanese market. It is not sold or available in Japanese bars or supermarkets. I personally feel it is an unworthy product that speaks of "Japanese whiskey".

[@MessengerOnline]

Did I start the video, hear the burp then rewind to the start to hear the burp and who did it? I shall neither confirm nor deny that.

[@badmunkyedc1]

Do the poll. And Rex month. With a Briana week. That is all

[@nero7469]

I took a shot of that with a friend and it numbed the back of my tongue

[@alt5494]

I ran the numbers on personal acholic purchases may have watch rather too many videos^⁠_⁠^ cheers!!

[@CorbettMatthews]

I drove 4 hours round trip to buy the Macallan No. 3 for $200 Canadian because of a vault video.

[@festerallday]

I've been to many tastings in the Pacific. Most japanese whiskey are light and sake like. They spend minimal time in the barrel and rely, instead, on mixing wood types and char levels for flavor.