Kanosuke – Artist Edition #004 (70cl, 50%)

Kanosuke Artist Edition #004 is a single malt from Kanosuke Distillery in Kagoshima, bottled at 50% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It is the fourth release in the Artist Edition series, which draws on the Wu Xing, the five elements. This one is inspired by Metal, with a label painted by artist Keiko Yuasa. It blends non-peated malts made on the distillery's three pot stills. The core is a fruity spirit from Spirits Still 2, joined by triple-distilled bourbon cask whisky, and maturation in Islay casks in Hioki adds the finish. The nose offers cut wood, rosehip, strawberry jam and cinnamon, and the palate brings iodine peat, honey, lychee and white pepper. The finish is orange marmalade and a moist sea breeze.