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Hayashi Okinawa Japanese Whisky – Koyo, 8-Years, 18-Years and 24-Years

Posted by whiskeywench on

Last year, I was introduced to this Hayashi Okinawa Japanese Whisky while attending a Women Who Whiskey event here in Boston. During this introduction, I had the opportunity to sample their current range of four expressions: Hayashi Koyo, Hayashi 8-Years, Hayashi 18-Years and Hayashi 24-Years.

For their whisky production process, Hayashi utilizes a 500-year-old technique that involves using indica rice and black koji fermentation. Following this, the whiskies are aged in charred bourbon barrels. However, it is worth noting that under the new Japanese whisky regulations, which required compliance by March 21, 2024, there may be some uncertainty as to whether this brand fully qualifies as a true Japanese whisky. If anyone knows for sure, comment and let me know if they are true Japanese whiskies. Now, let’s dive into these whiskies.

Hayashi Koyo

Nose: oranges and floral notes

Palate: fruit and caramel

Finish: light notes of oranges and fruit

ABV: 43%

Cost: $50-$70

Notes: A splash of water heightened the notes of oranges.

Hayashi 8-Years

Nose: caramel, spices and salt

Palate: cinnamon, maple and light ginger notes

Finish: lightly sweet and nutty

ABV: 43%

Cost: $90-$100

Notes: A splash of water brought out the notes of spices and ginger.

Hayashi 18-Years

Nose: fruit and cinnamon

Palate: spices, honey and oranges

Finish: lightly sweet and bitter notes of oranges

ABV: 43%

Cost: $399+

Notes: This one began with a sweet profile but then developed a bitter taste towards the end.

Hayashi 24-Years

Nose: Tea, honey and tobacco

Palate: lightly sweet and butterscotch

Finish: sugary honey

ABV: 43%

Cost: $800-$1000

Notes: Out of the four expressions, this one tasted the best.

Personally, I don’t believe these whiskies justify the high price tags. The most affordable is the Koyo and to me that was the harshest one of the four. It tastes very young and was very rough around the edges. The best one was the 24-Year but, it is not worth the price tag. Every palate is different so maybe some of you will enjoy these. I on the other hand am very happy I had the chance to sample these, but they are not for me both in taste and costs.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.

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