Suntory Toki "Black" Japanese Whisky (750ml)

The original Toki has always been a go to recommendation for people who just want a whisky for highballs or a super light sipper that won't break the bank but gives you enough flavor to take the next sip. This is kind of the grown up version, more of the Hakushu distillery in here gives it more smoke, more depth, and overall provides a pretty great upgrade to the traditional Toki. The nose has pretty and soft peaty notes, little whisps of smoke coming off the bouquet, touches of honeyed green apple. The smoky peat comes out more on the palate, but it's never aggressive, it's like when your cat pats your face you with its claws just slightly out. It's incredibly smooth and an enjoyable sip all by itself, I would say this drinks more like a baby Hibiki than it does a grown up Toki all in all, but I still wouldn't hesitate to put it in a highball either. It's pretty delicious, especially for the price.