Review #919 (2023)
This is a blended malt, made while they (Kaikyo Distillery) wait for their single malt whisky to mature. It is matured in Bourbon, Sherry and Mizunara casks. Vanilla, marzipan and butterscotch in the smell.
Quite flavourful in the beginning. A lot of things is happening – spices, dried fruits, “wet” oak and vanilla in the taste. The finish isn’t as long or flavourful as I expected after the initial sip. Especially the spices stays behind, in a nice manner.
A fine whisky to enjoy, while we wait for their own distillate, but Japan will not gain a lot of followers because of this release. Don’t get me wrong, it’s 46% and full of flavours in the taste, but the balance between the casks is just not quite there. I will give this 82/100 (20/21/21/20).