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

Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve is a Japanese blended malt made at the Kaikyo Distillery. It matures first in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, then spends a further six months in casks that previously held umeshu, the Japanese plum liqueur. It is bottled at 46% without chill-filtering or added colour. The nose has fragrant oak spice, black tea and fresh orange, followed by dried apricot and a touch of vanilla, with lightly toasted sweet barley. On the palate there is gentle oak spice and dried peel, with umeshu plum flavours and more pronounced wood. The finish is long and soft, with delicate sweetness and lingering oak spice.