Togouchi Sake Cask Finish Blended Japanese Whisky

Togouchi Sake Cask Finish Blended Japanese Whisky, NAS, 40%

This is a blended Japanese whisky from Sakurao Distillery, made in accordance with the (relatively) new Japanese whisky regulations. Previous incarnations (see my old review) of this product did not comply with these rules, so this is a new product as such. Matured in ex-bourbon casks before the sake cask finish. Containing 15% malt whisky and the rest grain whisky made from barley - all made and matured in Japan. No details are given as to where the ex-sake casks used for the finish were sourced from, but they state that the casks previously held junmai-shu (pure rice sake). See their official product page for more details

The Togouchi Sake Cask Finish Blended Japanese Whisky is available to buy in Norway at NOK 707 (12382001).

Nose: Shy at first, then opens into juicy orchard fruits. Light umami notes of forest floor, mushrooms and fallen fruit add depth. With time, a gentle sweetness emerges; honey, citrus and hints of tropical fruit.

Taste: Medium bodied, fresh and lively. Juicy fruitiness leads, supported by more subtle, exotic undertones.

Finish: Medium to short. Smooth and light with vanilla and soft fruitiness. A slight astringency appears towards the end.

Comment: Subtle, fresh, quietly intriguing. 

Score 81/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas