Kanosuke Single Malt

Kanosuke Single Malt, NAS, 48%

The Komasa family has distilled spirits in Kagoshima, Japan, since 1883. In 1957 Kanosuke Komasa, the second-generation master distiller, launched the very first long-term cask matured rice shochu, called Mellowed Kozuru. In 2017 Kanosuke’s grandson Yoshitsugu Komasa established the Kanosuke Distillery to start producing whisky. The mother company, Komasa Jyozo Co., of course still runs their old shochu distillery, which I believe is called the Hioki Distillery.

The Kanosuke Single Malt is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-Mellowed Kozuru shochu casks.

The Kanosuke Single Malt is available in Norway at NOK 1080 (20971701).

Nose: Fruity, malty and delicate. Banana and vanilla cream cake, followed by floral honey and almond milk. With time, a hint of oak emerges alongside soft citrus and earthy rhubarb.

Taste: Full bodied with a creamy, rich mouthfeel. Elegant and fruity, with ripe orchard fruits, white pepper and cinnamon. Pencil shavings and almond paste add a slightly drier dimension.

Finish: Medium long. The elegant dance of summer fruits continues, accompanied by mild spices, herbs and a soft oak influence. A hint of strawberry milkshake appears towards the end.

Comment: Elegant fruit with creamy charm. 

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas