Shizuoka – United S 2023 Summer Edition

United S Summer Edition is a 2023 single malt from Shizuoka Distillery that blends the distillery's two spirit styles, from its K and W stills, before maturation in first-fill bourbon barrels. Still W is a Forsyth's still made in Scotland, fired directly by a firewood kiln, and gives a burnt, fragrant spirit with a rich body. Still K came from the original Karuizawa Distillery and produces a lighter, fruity spirit. The nose has citrus, summer berries, oak, toffee and wood fire. The palate brings sticky dates, raisins, peat smoke and a hint of tropical fruit. The finish has citrus zest, lavender honey, dark chocolate and a whiff of wood fire and peat.