Kanosuke – 2021 First Edition Cask Strength Japanese Single Malt Whisky (70cl, 58%)

The first single malt from Kanosuke Distillery in Kagoshima, Japan, this First Edition was produced in 2017 and the year after, using all three of the distillery's pot stills. It is made from unpeated malt, matured for three years in several varieties of oak barrel, then blended and bottled at a cask strength of 58%, non-chill-filtered, in a 70cl bottle. Re-charred American white oak casks that previously held Mellowed Kozuru shochu are the key part of the blend. The release reflects the distillery's concept of 'Mellow Land, Mellow Whisky'. The colour is amber. The nose has lime, prune and raisin butter, and the mellow, woody palate brings vanilla and cinnamon. The finish is bittersweet, with chocolate-covered candied orange peel and a soft sea breeze.