Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve Pure Malt Whisky (70cl, 46%)

Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve is a Japanese blended malt in a 70cl bottle at 46% ABV. Kimio Yonezawa of Kaikyo Distillery combines malt whiskies made in Scotland, which are first matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. In Japan they then spend six months in casks that previously held umeshu, a plum liqueur. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colouring. Pear, lychee and blueberry sit alongside plum and dried apricot, with black tea, vanilla and oak spice behind them. The nose brings dried apricot, light vanilla, black tea and oak spice. On the palate, sweet ume plum and dried citrus peel meet gentle oak, with a mild warmth. The finish is long and soft, with light sweetness and lasting oak spice.