Koshi-No Shinobu Pure Malt Whisky Mizunara Oak Finish (70cl, 43%)

This is Koshi-No Shinobu, a Japanese pure malt whisky bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. Shinobu means forbearance in Japanese. It is made by the distiller Mr. Usami, who selects whiskies from around the world, rests them first in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks, then finishes them in Japanese Mizunara oak. The colour is natural, with nothing added. The nose offers candied orange peel, toffee, sweet smoke and toasted hazelnuts, with herbal tea and spice. The palate is mellow and fruit-forward, and the finish carries pepper and spice.