Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still

Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still, NAS, 51%

This is an exciting product from Kanosuke, Japan, where Ireland, the US and Japan meet. Produced at the Hioki Distillery owned by Komaza Jyozo. Here is what they say on the product page:

“A Japanese style pot still whisky inspired by Irish whisky and bourbon and infused with an accumulation of shochu expertise. In our pot still whisky, luxurious amounts of unmalted barley and malted barley are carefully distilled in pot stills and matured in new American white oak casks and bourbon barrels.”

Interestingly the virgin American oak casks used are 450L puncheons to balance or temper the accelerated maturation in the warm Hioki climate.

The Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still Whisky is available in Norway at NOK 1260 (20971601).

Nose: Rich notes of ripe orchard fruits at first, followed by cooked fruits, earthy vanilla and toasted oak. Then comes a wave of tropical fruits, adding a brighter dimension.

Taste: Full bodied and rich, with orchard fruits and red berries. Citrus gradually takes on a more dominant role. Creamy in texture, with a hint of white pepper adding gentle spice.

Finish: Medium long. Sugary sweet with light citrusy fruitiness, followed by honey and creamy vanilla. Toasted oak and pepper provide structure towards the end.

Comment: Elegant.

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas