Hakata 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Japanese Whisky (70cl, 42%)

This is a 10 year old Japanese single malt from the Hikari Distillery in Fukuoka, bottled at 42% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It was matured in sherry casks, in traditional warehouses and a few open-air ones. The mash is all barley, with a portion fermented using koji, the Japanese culture also used for miso and sake, which brings a savoury, umami depth. Tasting notes describe a nose of lemon meringue, strawberry preserves, old oak and earthy tones. The palate is rich sherry with walnuts and sweet raspberries, and the very long finish has vanilla oak, sherry, raisin and orange peel.