Mars Iwai Tradition Sakura Cask Finish (75cl, 40%)

Mars Iwai Tradition Sakura Cask Finish is a blended Japanese whisky from the Mars Shinshu Distillery in Miyada, Nagano, bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The base Iwai Tradition, made from whisky aged two to five years in ex-bourbon, sherry and American oak, spends roughly six months in casks of Sakura, Japanese cherry blossom wood. Those casks are built rectangular by Ariake Sangyo, because the wood will not hold a traditional cask shape. It is non-chill filtered and released each spring. The nose offers honey, straw and apricot jam with floral highlights. The palate is round, like brandy, with sweet malt, and the finish brings cotton candy and ripe red berries.