Yamazakura Asaka Red IPA Cask Finish (70cl, 56%)

A Japanese whisky from the Asaka Distillery, finished in casks that previously held a barrel-aged imperial red IPA from Hopgarden Brewery in Miyakoji, Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture. The unpeated base spirit was first matured in first-fill bourbon barrels before moving into the beer casks. The red IPA's spicy, sweet character, from rye and roasted malt, meets the sweet, floral style of Asaka. Hop and citrus flavours sit alongside the natural sweetness of the malt and the casks. With a little water, the notes turn to tropical citrus acidity, peppermint, sour cream and roasted nuts.