Chichibu – 2016 2nd Fill Ex-Peated Bourbon Barrel #7076 Foundations (70cl, 64.5%)

This is a single cask Japanese single malt from the Chichibu distillery, distilled in 2016 and bottled at cask strength, 64.5% ABV. It comes in a 70cl bottle. The whisky matured in a second-fill barrel that previously held heavily peated bourbon. Only 200 bottles were filled, and it is non-chill-filtered and free of added colour. The nose combines strong smoke with sweet bourbon vanilla and a touch of spice. On the palate it is powerful and layered, with toasted wood, peat smoke and a gentle fruit sweetness. The finish is long and dry, with smoke and spice.