Chichibu – Single Cask #702 2010 Asta Morris (70cl, 52.3%)

This is a single cask Chichibu from 2010, bottled by Asta Morris at 52.3% and sold in a 70cl bottle. Chichibu sits just north of Tokyo, where long, hot, humid summers give way to freezing, snowy winters. This cask went through five of those cycles, and the seasonal swings have pushed the whisky forward across the whole palate. The nose is rich with sweet fruit, sweet oak, hints of strawberry and spiced wood. Dark vanilla, new-season honey, coconut flakes and a little chocolate come through on the palate, and the finish brings almonds, sandalwood, sweet spices and toffee.