Hakata 18 Year Sherry Cask

Nose - Intense raisins/prunes, dark soy sauce, dark berries Taste - Dark raisins/prunes, blackberries, blueberries, dark soy sauce, dark chocolate, dark cherries Finish - Damp oak, dark berries, raisins, dark cherry juice, dark soy sauce Score - 86/100 Final Thoughts - The aroma felt a bit more harmonious on this one, though still somewhat one-note. The palate had a nice addition of blackberries and blueberries, but it still seemed like I was drinking a fortified sherry with a little dark soy sauce mixed in. It wasn't unpleasant, but it felt rather one-dimensional. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Perhaps Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Nose: Dark dried fruit. Musty. Intense sherry with an earthy character. Raisin/craisin and dried cherries. A hint of nuttiness. Musty oak reminiscent of old books. Cinnamon. Palate: Overwhelmingly sherry-forward, almost tart. Cranberry and cherry. A slight funk from the koji mold/yeast. It's sharp, not as syrupy as anticipated. Somewhat thin, but not necessarily unpleasant. Difficulty detecting malt notes. Hints of oak and barrel influence appear as it transitions to the finish, along with a touch of caramel. Finish: Oak and cinnamon emerge here, a subtle hint of caramel, and some phenols.

Strong sherry notes dominate. It's sweet with an unusual funk. Perhaps from the Koji.