Suntory Special Reserve First Release (750ml)

A slight notch down from Suntory Royal is Suntory Special Reserve, another blended whisky. This one was born in 1969 to celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary, being blended by second-generation company president Keizo Saji.

Nose: Dried fruits, specifically prunes, dates, apricot, and berries. Lots more sherry going on here than with Royal. There’s a hint of orange as well. Thicc and aromatic, it’s actually quite nice. There’s Yamazaki here too.

Palate: The nose was a bit better, but the orange sticks around and is joined by white pepper and some bitter chocolate. Sugary and oaky too, with excellent overall balance. There’s not too much of anything here. Light and easy sipping.

Finish: Medium-length, lasting fruits, and a bit of oak bitterness.