Onikishi Sakura Whisky (70cl, 43%)

Onikishi Sakura is a three-year-old Japanese blended whisky, produced by Shiki Shuzo Corporation in Hyogo Prefecture and bottled at 43%. It matured in American white oak casks that include some cherry wood, and it is chill-filtered with no added colour. The style is soft, direct and fruity, with pronounced floral notes and honey sweetness alongside cherry, herbal bitterness, cedar and a lightly smoky end. The brand name joins the Japanese words for demon and knight. The nose offers cherry blossom, geranium, violet and light honey, with a little pepper. On the palate come Manuka honey, vanilla, cherry, silky stone fruit and almond, then lemon verbena, cedar and oak. The finish is long and bittersweet, ending in lemongrass, honey and light smoke.