This exceptional single barrel from the premier producer of malted rice whisky in Japan reaches new levels of elegance. Aged for ten long years in toasted brandy puncheons, the oak still takes a backseat to the exceptionally smooth and fruit forward spirit. Nonetheless, we're reaching the upper limits of what we've experienced in terms of aging this type of spirit and it retains plenty of texture without exhibiting any overt rice or sake flavors. Instead, expect complex aromatics with a strong citrus and subtle vanilla quality. Hints of white rose, acacia, citrus oil, and mint. On the palate, it's very round and soft, discarding the youthfulness on the nose for some gorgeous exotic spice and marmalade notes. Definitely one of the most interesting of the rice whiskey we've come across yet. We're very happy to see older age statements starting to creep their way out of this idiosyncratic distillery.
