Kanosuke Artist Edition #001 (70cl, 50%)

Kanosuke Artist Edition #001 is the first in an annual series of Japanese single malts from the Kanosuke Distillery in Kagoshima, each inspired by one of the five elements of Chinese philosophy. This first release represents wood. Its label, by the illustrator Mariko Hirasawa, shows an oak tree growing from the earth of Kagoshima. It is made from unpeated malt from the UK and was matured for over three years in American white oak recharred casks. It was bottled in March 2022 at 50% ABV, in a 70cl bottle. The nose is buttery toffee, ripe plum jam, dark grape and a hint of cinnamon. The palate has a soft cereal sweetness with creamy vanilla.