Hatozaki Finest Japanese Whisky (75cl, 40%)

This is the flagship blended whisky from the Kaikyo Distillery in Akashi, on the coast of Hyogo Prefecture. Hatozaki is named after Japan's oldest stone lighthouse, and the Yonezawa family, brewers since 1856 and distillers since 1917, built the distillery around Forsyths copper pot stills. Finest blends malt and grain whiskies, aged up to twelve years with at least 40 percent malt whisky. It is matured in bourbon, sherry and Mizunara oak casks, and bottled at 40% without chill filtering or added colouring. The nose is soft malty sweetness, cereal and orchard fruit with citrus. The palate is delicate and rounded, with vanilla, honey, pear and a little spice, and the finish is clean, smooth and lightly sweet.