Shirakawa – 1958 Single Malt Japanese Whisky (70cl, 49%)

This is a 1958 vintage single malt from the Shirakawa distillery in Japan, bottled at 49% vol in a 70cl bottle. It is described as the earliest known Japanese single vintage whisky to have been bottled, and as the only official single malt the distillery has released. It is a limited edition. The nose is waxy and shaped by oak, with marzipan, candied pineapple and orange liqueur, giving way to cut grass, honeysuckle and coconut, plus exotic incense. On the palate, a crisp apple and a hint of lime are softened by marzipan and white chocolate, with cinnamon and ginger. The finish is a soft nuttiness with light spice and a touch of smoke.