Matsui Sakura Cask Single Malt (70cl, 43%)

This is a Japanese single malt from the Matsui range, distilled at the Kurayoshi Distillery in Tottori prefecture and bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. All Matsui whisky begins in ex-bourbon barrels. For this expression it then spends further time in a hybrid cask whose heads have been replaced with Japanese cherry wood, known as sakura. The label carries a painting by the ukiyo-e artist Kikukawa Eizan. The nose offers almond, faint fresh orange and melon, and a spicy sawdust note. The palate shows baking spices and citrus with a light spring blossom note, and the finish brings white pepper and vanilla sponge cake.