Yamazakura Japanese Puremalt (70cl, 48%)

Yamazakura Puremalt is a Japanese blended malt made by Asaka Distillery and bottled at 48% in a 70cl bottle. It is a blend of malt whiskies from several distilleries, made from 100% malted barley. It is matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks. The name joins yama, meaning mountain, and sakura, meaning cherry blossom. Asaka stands in Fukushima, and the distillery's roots lie in the sake maker Sasanokawa Shuzo, which dates back to 1765. The nose is aromatic, with toasted almonds, baked apples and a trace of sandalwood. The palate is silky, with dark honey, dried apricots and gentle spice, and the finish is long, with a dry, nutty tail and lingering fruit warmth.