Just some quick impressions of Japanese juice from a project dinner last night -
Hibiki 12 - definitely a more interesting pour than I recall from Yamazaki 12. Initially it was a little weak and had a strong grain note, but it really opened up into focused, sweet vanilla. Soft fruits and clean oak underneath. Very little in the way of smoke. Much more of a Lowland or zero-peat Campbeltown, and coincidentally reminded me of Black Bull.
Hakushu Heavily Peated - totally brash. This is the Japanese Laphroig, no doubt about it. No rounded, balancing sweetness like you'd get in an Ardbeg. Straight iodine and campfire. It's good, but no way this is worth the premium price.