Yamazaki 12 year old

Yamazaki is one of the very few Japanese whiskies you can buy in the United States, which is a shame, given the growing reputation Japan has for producing many and varied whiskies of quality. The Yamazaki comes from Suntory (of Lost in Translation fame, yes) and is bottled at 43% alcohol by volume. It is a light straw-gold color and has a sweet, biscuity nose with some floral notes. Before adding water, the whisky has some spice, but is very smooth and easily drinkable without further dilution. Once I added water, the biscuits were still there, but the floral notes die down to be replaced by some more honey notes, and hints of smoke. It seems like a Canadian whisky with more backbone and character (sorry, Canada). A very pleasant drink, if simple and unchallenging to the palate.