Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still Japanese Whisky (70cl, 51%)

This is a Japanese whisky from the Kanosuke Distillery in Kagoshima, bottled at 51% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It is made with both unmalted and malted barley, using a distinctive mashing and fermentation process, and distilled in a stainless steel shochu pot still. Maturation takes place in new American white oak casks and bourbon barrels in the distillery's warehouse. The nose offers butter sand, apricot, plum and a little citrus. On the palate come marmalade, vanilla, orange and almond, leading to a smooth, warming finish of vanilla, dry ginger and cinnamon with a gentle sweetness.