Matured for a full decade ex-Brandy cask, 6th generation Master Distiller Kazunori Ohishi is able to coax a perfect, harmonious marriage between the famed local aromatic rice grains used in this whisky and the floral, vinous character from the casks.
At Ohishi they love to play with aging and finishing, often employing various different barrels. These have included former Sherry, peated Scotch, and Brandy vessels. This particular Whisky was left to mature for 10 years in French oak Brandy barrels. The juice manages to retain its rice character throughout the process, making for a very special and uniquely Japanese dram.
From the Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan, the Ohishi Single Brandy Cask is a whisky distilled from rice and aged in ex-brandy casks. The Ohishi Distillery uses at least 30% gohyakumanishi rice grown on its own fields, rounded out with mochi rice Kumamoto. Founded in 1872, this is one of the oldest distilleries in Japan, located on the banks of the Kuma River, a water source that is prized for its purity.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Gold
Nose: The delightfully floral aroma wraps around notes reminiscent of Sake. There's prominent oak and fruit on the nose as well.
Palate: It's a deep and complex one. The brandy-cask sweet fruit notes are obvious on the palate with green apples and pears especially prominent. The oak spice rounds it up nicely.
Finish: Finishes long with fruity, rice, and oak notes slowly fading.
