Fukano Vault Reserve 1

A well-rounded Japanese Rice Whisky from Fukano Distillery in Kumamoto, Japan, this is a lightly Sherry-influenced version of the Vault Reserve. It greets with an aromatic bouquet of fruits, plum, and Sherry with cinnamon; its rich and complex profile develops notes of Muscadines, sandalwood, plum, orange, subtle sherry, and gunpowder tea; culminating in a long and rich finish with spices, port, and honey. May 2020 / February 2021 / August 2022

Nose: slightly astringent Body: light citrus, light vanilla, but with a papery flavor reminiscent of rice whiskies Finish: leaves my mouth feeling dry with the taste of licked envelopes Rice whiskies aren't my preference.

Nose - sweet and sherry, dark fruits like overripe plum, then a sweet, sake-like finish Taste - dark stone fruits, some chocolate, subtle wood and spice malts. Mild but pleasant Finish - spice and oak

Nose - spiced tea, plums and brown sugar, a hint of honey Taste - like spiced chai tea with a touch of honey, dark fruits, dark wine, and a hint of brown sugar Finish - lingering baking spices, mild burn

Aroma: nutty, rice vinegar, sherry. Taste: rich palate of butterscotch, caramel, nougat. Finish: the weakest part of the drink, a slight astringency with some lingering fresh envelope notes.

The aroma is hot, strongly featuring sherry and red fruit, like cherry or plum. The taste is complex, with sherry and plum alongside some oak. The texture is thick and lingers. The finish is medium with some sweet notes and sherry.