Ikikko 8 Year Old Sherry Cask Koji Whisky (70cl, 42%)

A Japanese koji whisky from Ikinokura Distillery on Iki Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, built on the island's shochu tradition. It is aged for 8 years in ex-Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 42% in a 700ml bottle. Instead of malting grain, the distillery incubates white koji mould onto steamed polished white rice and ferments it alongside unmalted barley. The spirit is distilled once in a stainless steel pot. The nose is ripened dark fruit, white pepper, aged allspice and subtle citrus. The palate is light and intricate, with cardamom, cream, tangerine, herbal tea and steamed rice. The finish brings distant sea salt, oily peppermint and candied sweetness.