Kamiki Sakura Wood

Kamiki Sakura Wood, NAS, 48 %

This is a “Japanese” whisky, i.e. the component whiskies on these blended malt have not (all?) been distilled in Japan.

The producer is Helios Distiller (Kamiki Whisky), and they provide no detailed info on the provenance of this product.

Interestingly the whisky has a Japanese Sakura Tree and Cedar Cask Finish, which is a first, as far as I know. Sakura Wood is also known as Japanese cherry blossom.

You can find the Kamiki Sakura Wood in various online stores at around USD 80 or so.

Nose: Cigar boxes and Japanese temples. White pepper and sawdust. Chestnut, sandalwood, nutmeg, cinnamon and almond paste. It has one of the most complex woody/oaky characters I have come across in such a young whisky. Impressive and intriguing. Vanilla and hard candy fruit drops.

Taste: Full bodied and creamy in character. Again quite oaky in a complex way. Chocolate confectionary filled with cherry and mint jam.

Finish: Medium long finish. Darker now. Dark chocolate and cold brewed coffee. I still get sticky cherry jam, and hints of mint.

Comment: This is cool!

Score 85/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas