I already tried the Hatozaki Small Batch Pure Malt last year. Then in the Whisky Tour of the World box I also found this Hatozaki Finest Blended Whisky.
Not much information is available, but since it is promoted as a wise choice for highballs, we don’t have high hopes. They claim to use spirit of up to 12 years, matured in ex-bourbon American Oak casks, ex-sherry casks and Japanese Mizunara oak casks. I’m not sure whether this is made with Scotch whiskies or Japanese components.
Hatozaki Finest Blended Whisky (40%, OB +/- 2024)
Nose: young and light, with pear drops, green melons and a slightly synthetic banana aroma. Light honey and citrus. Maybe lemongrass, as well as some floral hints. Overall rather sweet and creamy, in a shy way.
Mouth: a really young malt, mixed with neutral grains. Now that can’t be a recipe for a good sipping whisky. More pears and stone fruits, sugar water and a drop of honey. Then light woody notes and vanilla. Really light and simple.
Finish: not too long, loosing its fruitiness and becoming peppery, with only sweet grains remaining.
A decent option for highballs indeed, with a bit of a Lowlands profile. For a whisky to drink neat, better look elsewhere. While not exactly faulty, it is way too light and totally unexpressive. I’m sure the majority of this blend is only 3-5 years old. Available from The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt, for instance.