Suntory "Zen" Pure Malt

Whisky type
Pure Malt

Review by Nonjatta contributor - Dramtastic

"Suntory "Zen" pure malt. 40 per cent alcohol.
Nose: Gentle and and fairly closed. Notes of pear, oregano, varnish or paint thinner, eucalyptus, pepper and salt. Okay it doesn't sound closed but it's a few days between whiskies and I'm picking up more than I would normally with this one. Palate: Smooth and soft, mainly malt and cream. Some nutmeg spice and a little pepper. Finish: Short, simple, a bit dry or dusty. Then, a mineral-like quality and bamboo shoots.
General comment: This is a uncomplicated malt, easy to drink, nice enough, but lacks complexity.
Rating: 75/100." (Dramtastic's ratings explained)

Nonjatta geeky note: The kanji used for this whisky's name (膳) has no link to Zen Buddhism. I have a feeling many foreigners would assume some kind of connection. From a Japanese perspective, though, calling a whisky after a religious tradition would be a bit odd. Not sure how I would take a Scottish blend called "Calvinism", come to think of it.

The kanji actually has a number of meanings surrounding food. Among other things, it is used when counting chopsticks or bowls of rice and to refer to the act of spreading the table ready for food. I am just guessing here, but this may be part of Suntory's marketing of whisky as an accompaniment for food.