Ontake Distillery – The First Edition 2023 Japanese Single Malt Whisky (70cl, 43%)

This is the first release from Ontake Distillery in Kagoshima, Japan, a single malt bottled in 2023 at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It matured in first-fill solera sherry butts and is non-chill filtered. Ontake is the whisky venture of Nishi Shuzo, a shochu producer established in 1845 that now also brews sake. Its first new make spirit ran through the stills in 2019, and the distillery expects to mature its whiskies in old sherry casks only. Dried fruit, figs and plums lead the nose. The palate is sweet with raisins, figs, pear compote and apricot, plus subtle spice and toasty savoury notes. The finish is warm, with spices and a hint of chocolate.