Mizu Sakura Cask Shochu (75cl, 35%)

Mizu Sakura Cask Shochu is a barrel-finished Japanese shochu, single-distilled by hand in the traditional way from locally farmed Saga barley and black koji rice. It is finished for at least nine months in medium-char casks made by Ariake Sangyo from native yamazakura, the wild mountain cherry. The sakura wood adds an unusual aromatic lift to a focused grain base. Pale gold in colour, it is bottled at 35% in a 75cl bottle. The nose brings spring blossoms, vanilla, banana, rain and fresh-sawn lumber. The palate is velvety, with baked cherry, burnt sugar and a touch of smoke, and gingersnap lingers on the finish.