Eigashima Shuzo – Akashi 4 Year Old Ume Cask (75cl, 50%)

This is a 4 year old Japanese single malt from the White Oak distillery of Eigashima Shuzo in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is bottled at 50% in a 75cl bottle. The malt spent three years in ex-bourbon casks, then a further year in ex-umeshu casks seasoned at the distillery. Umeshu is Japanese plum wine, and these casks had first held it after ex-bourbon barrels, which gives the finish a plum character and a body that recalls brandy. It is described as crisp and maltic with hints of vanilla, a soft, mellow texture, white chocolate and almond, and delicate plum and stone fruit over black tea and dried florals.