Matsui Single Malt Mizunara Cask (48%)

Matsui Single Malt Mizunara Cask is a Japanese single malt from the Matsui Shuzou distillery in Tottori Prefecture, near Mount Daisen. It is bottled at 48% ABV, non-chill filtered and with no added caramel colour. The whisky is matured entirely in Japanese Mizunara oak, a rare and expensive wood that is difficult to work with and gives the spirit an oriental character. The distillery uses spring water filtered through volcanic rock. Light gold in the glass, it has a floral nose of sandalwood, temple incense, fresh ginger and cinnamon. The palate is silky, with honeyed cereal, vanilla and grapefruit zest, then coconut and white pepper. The finish is crisp, with spicy oak and a delicate floral sweetness.