Japanese Whisky - Daniel Month Finale

Today we taste and review Yoichi Single Malt and Yamazaki 12-Year-Old Japanese Whisky.
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[@zackzenron]

Thank you, Daniel, for taking this month and handling it with such class and grace, for using it to educate and inspire, and for not using it to seize unnecessary power. You truly are a magnificent bastard.

[@sancho845]

Daniel month is over already?!? FfFfFfFFFFFF!!!! All jokes aside, I come here for unbiased truths from a true Whisk(e)y pioneer... and for that Daniel. BRAfckinOH! and although there are some annoyances... Rex makes it better. LMAO. love you both. keep doing what you guys are doing. cheers!!!

[@tylerdostal]

So I was out celebrating one of my best friends recent acceptance into Yale. We were at a hometown bar and I noticed that they had an old, dusty bottle of Lagavulin 16 on the back shelf. As I am still delving deeper into the whisky world and hoping to learn more, I asked the bartender for a pour neat. He proudly brought my glass and with smugness about him said, "Good luck." I took a healthy sniff to familiarize myself with the concoction and was IMMEDIATELY in awe. I then took a sip and just like that, a great night turned LEGENDARY. We proceded to close that bar down and I'll remember that night and that whisky for the rest of my life. Could I get a toast to my friend Laura for getting a full ride acceptance to Yale? Thank you gents!

[@Roosterscrow550]

Probably my favourite whisky. Nice choice

[@tudevoid]

Blah.. Yale. Probably became a liberal prick.

[@charlielucius8336]

I don't even care that this was posted 4 years ago, a toast to Laura and to a great whisky!

[@Chef_PC]

Daniel Month is what this channel should be 80% of the time.

[@gamegeargirl8086]

I lived in Tokyo for three years and had quite a few different Japanese whiskeys. Came home with a bottle of Hibiki 17 that lasted five years. In that time I shared with many of my friends, so they could all experience something very different. Love Japanese whiskey.

[@johnplaisted3025]

I was stationed in Japan in the late 60s with the Navy. Drank Suntory whisky all the time. As a side story, I lived in an off base apartment, I could buy Johnny Walker Black for $ 3,95 a fifth. I paid my rent with 3 bottles of JWB.

[@spudgunn8695]

"Like being punched in the mouth with a bunch of flowers..." That has left an indelible image in my mind!😂 Thanks, Rex, that really made my day look up.

[@reesemartens759]

I'm currently in Japan and while I wouldn't say that sub-par whisky is flooding the market, a large percentage of the market is the budget blends produced by Suntory and Nikka. Any age statement whisky is almost extinct and some of the more recognizable distilleries have changed to NAS on their bottles. That being said, we may be in luck as Japan tends to have a very competitive bourbon market due to Suntory's American Half (Beam). Bourbon has also taken over for use in high ball's so Japanese folk seem to be drinking more international products.

[@ericbailey6779]

This is true. The good stuff can still be found, but it is at a premium. (Try the Suntory store in Tokyo!) I would recommend that you get to know the people at your local Yamaya liquors. They seem always have first dips but keep it behind the counter until someone asks.

[@JMMurray203]

Lets extend Somm-month and have an episode on the history of Islay... for science

[@garlandblanchard8016]

They can do it from the end of spring to the beginning of fall. They can call it Somm-er

[@michaelgildersleeve5330]

Over one year later and I still support this comment

[@patrickfulmer9596]

Daniel month passed so quickly. I can't believe it's over. Bravo, Somm. Keep the knowledge coming.

[@NeonSonOfXenon]

The age of conflict between artist and merchant. I have never related more in my current job. My heart goes out to Mr. Taketsuru.

[@antoniocorreiasampaio9056]

My wife and I did a horizontal tasting of Japanese whiskies in London, UK back in 2008. The Headboy from Suntory whisky division guided us. It was an revelation. Since then my wife and I became advocates for Japanese whiskies. We find Japanese whiskies particularly good in hot tropical weather.

[@21hazza]

Interesting because I generally prefer whiskey in the colder months.

[@GunnySGT1911]

You keep bringing up Jiro Dreams of Sushi, perhaps a sampling of sushi during dry week? Bonus Fact: Jiro is left handed. His son is right handed. Their shops are mirror images of each others.

[@OttoBoy]

Assuming Jiro has always been left-handed, he was unique. Being left-handed in Japan had been frowned upon for centuries.

[@jakeizlove]

I've tried the Yamazaki, Hakushu (sp?), Hibiki, and Toki. Aside from the Toki being underwhelming, all the others were great. Yazaki is/was (in my opinion) is leaps and bounds better than Glenlevit 18. The Hakushu is like the Laphroig, but with a longer finish. Hibiki is one of the best blended scotchs I've tried.

[@BraddahOji]

You have no clue how much I love Japanese Whisky now. My first one I bought was the Suntory Toki is pretty much very aggressive but when I bought the Hibiki Harmony following the suite of how to properly smell the notes and have an expectation on what you're looking for in a Whisky, the Harmony is by far my favorite. Will be getting the Yamasaki next.

[@reallycoldtoes512]

Thank you so much for Daniel month! My best friend “forced” me to watch this channel months ago and I’m happy everyday when I get to his house and we get to watch a new episode of you guys having fun.

[@saadn.3348]

Great history behind this Japanese whiskey, thank you for sharing.

[@bentwalls736]

This was my favorite month ever. Best thing since Rex month. I learned and retained SO MUCH. It really was a joy and I was able to “drag” a lot of people into it with me that wouldn’t have normally been interested. Yay nerds!

[@dmshampton]

Daniel month was so awesome. Thank you Daniel for expanding our knowledge and handling things like absolute somm. That was some truly magnificent work. I loved everything about this month. It has given me such a passion for the heritage and history of whiskey!

[@ythagakure]

One of my go to whiskeys hands down. Pairs great with most cigars and a real bang for your buck.

[@MickJacobsen]

I'm very sad to see Daniel Month come to an end. I waited anxiously and watched daily. I enjoy the reviews, but the history and the stories that Daniel shares are what I love. This channel started with Daniel taking us on a journey through whisk(e)y history. So, I like seeing it go back to those roots. I look forward to another series like this. Thank you, Daniel. (sorry Mooch)

[@bren394]

Daniel month finale and dry week, The two things i wish would never come.

[@lalitgupta9607]

Thanks for a detailed history. It would be nice if the whiskey brand being explained is highlighted in bold so that we know which is the brand.

[@Medium-whiskey]

"With love from Japan" I love Yoichi

[@Dan-hn1lx]

It makes a lot of sense that from Hokkaido we have two of the most amazing distilleries and breweries featuring masters of their respective craft. I've been to both Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery and the Sapporo Beer Brewery and its easy to see why they create amazing products from the best ingredients.....

[@garrettjanssen7683]

I've taken a long break from whiskey (went on a wine kick) but slowly coming back into the fold. Yoichi 12, when they made it, was the best 10-12yr single malt I've ever had--and I've had dozens of distilleries. Hakushu 12 was also amazing not even 5 years ago but I've had it twice over the past 2 years and it has seriusly nose-dived in quality. That earthy note Rex might be getting on Yamazaki might be sandalwood.

[@IndridCold.]

Garrett, good news, you're allowed to do both now!

[@wallerlandventures]

These guys LOVE Japanese whisky and I'm here to tell you, they are correct. Pay close attention to not just the quality of taste but to how you feel when drinking it. That's the secret.

[@brianmoore4600]

A great idea to walk through the history of whisk(e)y! The stories are what make this show so interesting and different then other channels. Keep them coming! Cheers!

[@funandgames7847]

What about Hibiki? It’s my favorite Japanese Whiskey please say it’s not one of them I only have one bottle as back up? Thanks in advance cheers from Milwaukee boys.

[@infideler]

Daniel month was awesome. Easily going to rewatch. Like a nice history lesson all rolled up into a few sessions. Rock on.

[@wwrussell180]

Daniel Month has been greatness! The whisk(ey) history has been really enlightening. As a fellow whisk(e)y nerd, I have appreciated every bit of it. In a word, it has been outstanding...uh, I mean GREATNESS!

[@vanwigginton2855]

Great episode. Totally nerd when it comes to history and mixing history with whiskey is outstanding. Loved the stories. Excellent work guys.

[@smashexentertainment676]

I love almost everything about Japan, because it's all awesome and whiskey is not an exception. I can get up to 15 different kinds of Japanese whiskey in my local stores and every time I visit Japan I look for something I haven't tried yet. Which is quite easy actually, they got so much alcohol there in the supermarkets. Never been disappointed.

[@guilemaigre14]

Thank you Daniel, it was a very enjoyable month under your tutelage.

[@brothajohn]

Thanks Daniel. Love Japanese whiskies. Loved im Tokyo 15 years. My Japanese is weak, but my pronunciation is spot on. If you need help reach out. Kampai! (That’s cheers in Japanese)

[@gregsnow1696]

I'll forever miss Daniel Month. May it reside in our memories for all eternity. A magnificent bastard you shall always be Daniel-son.

[@travisbritton4829]

I’ve actually REALLY LOVED Daniel Month!!! I’m nerdy, because I love learning new things. Whiskey history is right up my ally. Sorry Rex. You’re a really cool dude, but I have really enjoyed Daniel month. Thanks Fellas!

[@garyfrasier337]

Had Suntory in Sasebo Japan...sorely dissatisfied, but the concept of buying the bottle...and having the bartender pour my whiskey from my personal bottle was way cool.

[@rustknuckleirongut8107]

Kind of important what type of Suntory whisky you get. Saying you had Suntory is like saying your getting a Toyota. It could be either an LFA or a Yaris and you would be very disappointed in the Yaris if you were expecting an LFA.

[@terryllwegener3811]

Long live Daniel month. Thank you both for an enjoyable learning experience.

[@thegoodfooddude7395]

God is there a Daniel month playlist to binge .....gonna go look after I finish this one. Love the History Daniel explains probably my favorite part of your videos in all honesty outside of all the goofiness and explaining whiskey in terms I can relate to.

[@henryqi9651]

I really enjoy this episode. I just visited Yamazaki distillery 2 weeks ago. I love both Nikka and Suntory whisky. Its awesome to learn that Masataka Taketsuru had a great part in both.

[@tcockrell97]

So my first time buying a bourbon was horrible. I knew rye added spice, but I'd never had bourbon before, so I didn't know what that spice was. I overheard the guy at the counter talking about how he liked a high rye bourbon. I stupidly asked him what he reccomended for a beginner. He pointed me toward Bulleit. That was almost 6 months ago & I still have almost 1/2 a bottle. So, 2 questions: what are some good, but simple, cocktails to make with a rye for someone who hates rye, & what is a good wheated bourbon (looking for something more on the sweet sipper side)?

[@samuraidog50]

The story about Nikka was a NHK asadora drama TV series called Massan. All 156 episodes at 13 mins each can be seen all online! Its Cool drama... stars an American girl for the first time in Japanese tv history.

[@RossCampoli]

Learned so much about Japanese whisky from these magnificent bastards! I just made a video about the stuff and couldn't have done it without watching these guys. Cheers!

[@W1ldt1m]

Daniel month has been the best series you guys have ever done.

[@Rinebo]

Great video and very informative. I currently have gotten the Iwei’ brand. Have lots more to learn about it but it doesn’t taste nasty or too strong when it’s by itself like American Whiskey.

[@fubarfg9393]

I don’t understand. I gave my wife, in this order, Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin 16 and Ardbeg Corryvreckan on our introduction to Islay day. And she hated Lagavulin 16. At first, I thought maybe the abv, but no… same as Laphroaig and way less than Ardbeg. I put them in that order based on my opinion of intensity. Please explain? What am I missing?

[@aloberdorf4579]

Cool...that being said...as a total ignoramus ....I enjoyed the Historical origins of Japanese Whiskeys. Would these products be available...say in a State Liquor store or where ?

[@partylikeahobbit235]

The idea of a floral note sounded so off-putting to me, until I tried a scotch that had it. I was trying to think how to describe it in a way that someone who has never experienced it could understand. Here is what I’ve come up with. A floral note is as if you took a bunch of wild flowers and pressed the oil from them (think lavender oil, or rose oil), then took that oil and diluted it until it until it tastes like a subtle essence of wild flower. Any thoughts?

[@TheMASDrummer]

Partylikeahobbit yeah still hate it ahah

[@pavlovianprogramming]

What do you mean you can only make it work noon until noon? I thought you could play fast and loose with the dry week. How will we get another daniel/ rex month otherwise?

[@tanchwa3740]

I just had the privilege of getting to do a tour at the Nikka distillery in Yoichi and the Youichi single malt was one of my favorite base bottles, as well as a 10 year cask strength Yoichi. They also had a pure malt series that I loved and I wish I could find a bottle.

[@511dydy]

This video is really engaging, entertaining and informative. Looks very genuine reactions as well. Enjoyed it much. thank you.

[@lark4970]

Yes. Finally. Good to see the fine Japanese whisky being given the attention it deserves. In the Northern Central US its hard to find it.

[@redinthesky1]

Heres a niche ... can you reccomend a Japanese whiskey for a bourbon lover ?

[@KnifeCursed]

That was a fascinating story. Love history.

[@MrAqr2598]

12:05~ It’s _Dai-Nippon-Kajuu_ . It translates to Great Japanese Fruit Juice. _Yoichi_ is also famous for apples, so they also made apple products, such as apple juice and applejack.

[@aaronmiller9537]

Just got back from Japan this week. Brought back a few different bottles. But this 12 Year Yamazaki is out of hand. I had to go to probably 7 different stores from Chiba to Atsugi City Kanagawa and Tokyo to collect the following bottles to bring home. It’s almost impossible to find in Japan Recommend: Kurayoshi 12 Year Suntory The Chita Suntory Hakushu Suntory AO (this is a blend but it’s super smooth too) Suntory Hibiki Harmony or 12

[@act4306]

In Nov 2019 my girlfriend and I found 6 airplane bottles of yamazaki 12 in a Bic Camera in Tokyo after a week of searching throughout south-central Honshu. If you go back, I would suggest Ikeda, just outside Osaka. We barely missed an opportunity to pick up a full size yamazaki there.

[@neverforsakelife]

The more I watch this channel, the more I appreciate your dynamic as a pair. You guys are strong candidates for a "name a more iconic duo" meme. I'll wait.

[@bruisedfrog]

This month has been the best form of illegitimacy one could ask for!

[@ironmanspikes3527]

Fully agree, not just as a Japanese, but just one of Whiskey lovers,

[@timeforadram1427]

Hey gang...loved the whisky history month, although I was extremely interested in what Daniel had teased as a proposed format (dialing in on dominant tasting notes and whiskies that exemplify those..) saw it as a great path to unlocking our palates which I’m ready and willing to be helped with. Please revisit this stream of consciousness and tee it up. Would be immense

[@ericnix4396]

Ahhh...I got geeked out when you guys knew of Jiro Dreams of Sushi😃🧔🏽

[@gabrieljosefson7467]

Loved Daniel month! The history was interesting and the reviews actually talked about the whisky. I like the loose style of the "normal" episodes to, but sometimes you just want something more refined 👌😊

[@vickimartin5595]

Really enjoyed somm month, one more round please!

[@Gorilla6699]

Great review, looking forward to see your review for Nagahama Lightly Peated Single Malt Whisky and Amahagan World Malt Edition No.1

[@davidwithers1748]

Hi guys. Love your videos. What are your thoughts about your whisky, in the vault, being in the path of direct sunlight?

[@jdmznet]

Awesome educational and entertaining month! Thanks you guys! :-)

[@shilohstore6086]

Daniel month has been one hell of a ride!

[@jeffreydove821]

A great month comes to an end. I enjoy the history and stories. Daniel quarter?

[@coreyclark6505]

It’s been a good month. Thanks for the history on all of these! Any idea where one could acquire some of the Japanese Whiskey’s you guys have tested? I’ve been to about 6 shops here in central MI and can’t seem to find anything beyond Nikka Coffee Grain and Toki.

[@kevinknutson7205]

I would like to recommend that for your new distillery each of you have your own evolving infinity bottle that you sell. For those of us watching it's the closest we can get to drinking what you're drinking. not to mention every time we buy a new bottle it'll be a little different than the last bottle.

[@kevinknutson7205]

"The infinite mooch blend" and " the somms cut"

[@scottcroft9975]

I love the backstories.

[@TripleFermentation]

Just found your channel. Bingeing it like crazy. Great stuff, guys! I just picked up a bottle of Writers' Tears, and I was sad to see you guys didn't think too highly of it! I'll be sharing that, and some Laph Quarter Cask with the pops in a couple weeks :)

[@bernardmulligan5504]

I tuned in every day for Daniel month.

[@phych]

This vid gave me sitting next to a fireplace hearing a good story vibes. Gonna pop open a Hibiki, throw in a couple logs, replay this vid, and enjoy the ambience.

[@ARGONUAT]

What an incredibly insightful episode! As a whisk(e)y nut and history nut, I notice some parallels beyond the topic at hand. I see the Suntory side of Japanese whisk(e)y coming out as the light and nimble Mitsubishi Zero mindset while the Nikki mindset comes out as the Grumman ironworks F6F Hellcat. Honey and light versus peaty and heavy. What an incredible combo in whisk(e)y and history!

[@Underneaththebottle]

Do you know if Asahi Nikka and Suntory has ever made some kind of collaboration label? I think they would both make sh*t ton on money doing it! Also make something unique and unifying by the two senpais coming back together for a gig. I'd buy it!

[@rgracon]

Dilemma: I live in a rural area, so options/supplies are often limited. However, I’ve been watching reviews lately about Japanese whiskey, and I’m eager to get my first bottle. The local store in the next town over does have two options: Hibiki harmony, and Nikka coffee grain. In the multiple videos I’ve seen of your reviews, both seem pretty stellar. However, I’m only likely to get one. Please help!

[@badasspuppy]

That tee makes Rex look healthier. Or is it that he actually took a bath today?

[@maltymission]

it's the sunglasses. Rex believes everyone looks cooler in shades, and believing it is half the work :-)

[@f1rehawk99]

Hey, I got a massive shipment of Yamasaki whiskey the other day but I also live in Japan

[@paladonis]

This was amazingly educational and I loved the illegitimacy of it all! We need more illegitimate stuff if this is what we get from it!

[@lvcsslacker]

This was.,... REally really good.I apprecaited daniel month. As much as I like shenanigans, I enjoy learning about stuff like this too.

[@whiskeyus3302]

Love you guys. Great new intro btw. You inspired myself to start my own channel with my buddy, Whiskey & Us . Keep up the fantastic work.

[@Furry_Viking]

It's been a DAMN fine run Somm! Thank you for the knowledge bombs!

[@TheRealRomanticFreak]

I've been waiting for this since I started following the channel.

[@WhiskyGeek]

There was a flicker of sadness on Rex's face there when Daniel month was declared complete!

Daniel you Magnificent encyclopedia!!!

[@dangood035]

So much knowledge, so much whiskey, I toast to Daniel Month.

[@dons8764]

I love Japanese whisky! I just wish they weren't so hard to find. I find them to be much more palatable than Scotch as I have a limit as to how much peat I like in my whisky. Yamazaki Sherry Cask is the best whisky I have ever tasted.

[@-RXB-]

I can recommend the swedish 12 year single malt Mackmyra (might be a bit hard to find aswell but just throwing it out there). It's really smooth despite the high alcohol content (41.5%). Also sherry cask, undertones of vanilla, oak, toffee/caramel, a touch of pear. Not peaty at all, though there is a touch of smokeyness there.

[@davorazic9824]

You need to go to Japan to see that Japanese will never make bad quality whiskey just because they are in shortage.They have way to much pride for something like that.

[@AnthonySforza]

Haha, right???

[@CreatorCade]

In japan if it’s not done perfectly then it’s not worth doing.

[@ericbailey6779]

I live here, in Japan. I can say without a doubt that that is unfortunately false.

[@Synday]

lol azns love jumping on hypetrains and flooding with crap quality. ofc there'll be decent companies. a lineage is a lineage. sometimes you have to let everyone eat crap, so you can taste your first sugar and create sweets for others. that's how economy works. sell-out and quantity, then become yourself and follow your passion and master your craft

[@ninjacow]

The historic existence of ninjas shows that that ain't universally true.

[@lylebenally6040]

I love nikka, stationed in Japan for three years. I was definitely a go to.

[@SidIcarus]

Thanks for this. I haven't had Yamazaki (or even seen it really) since it became a "thing" few years ago. I remember thinking it was good, but not life changing. I really want to find a bottle again so I can convince myself that it's as amazing as everyone else tells me it's supposed to be.

[@xcy0n]

SidIcarus Same here! Had a Yamazaki 18 for 60€.. then they boomed.

[@thealize808]

Learned alot from you guy's. Watched a few hours of your channel in the past few weeks. Newbie here. So far I've tried Woodford reserve, glenlivet 12, macallen 12,18 (a sip) lol Pendleton bourbon. Hello again from Las Vegas 🙋‍♂️

[@ribbit1964]

what a glorious month daniel! thanks

[@wowTasteThis]

Yoichi's single malt salty peaty is probably my favorite whiskey I've ever had.

[@kjhenry100]

Yamazaki 12 is amazing. So floral.

[@tatsuhirosatou5513]

Ive recently found a great love of Japanese whiskey definitely glad i gave it a try.

[@daithi1966]

I have a bottle of Yamazaki 12-Year-Old whisky that I bought several years ago and hadn't opened. Now I don't want to drink it because it keeps going up in value.

[@dee46569]

Hope to see you revisit these

[@knutkverneland9786]

You guys should go see the Marcus King Band in Austin May 9! Saw them last week in Gainesville FL last week. I know Austin has a crapton of great music but this band is phenomenal! Enjoy and let me know how right I am!

[@Fasnic]

I'm lucky to have bought a bottle of 18yr Yamazaki on a layover in Tokyo, in 2011 for only $200. It was one of the best bottles I've ever had. And even luckier, was able to buy another bottle just 4yrs ago for under $400 from a Friend in need. It won't be opened until I buy a new place and move.