Ohishi Sakura Cask Finish Whisky

I previously reviewed the Ohishi Acacia Cask. I view this Sakura Cask and the Acacia Cask as companion releases, as they were launched concurrently and both clearly showcase wood experimentation. I'm unsure if they were intended as a pair, but I certainly perceive them that way. Regrettably, the Acacia left little impact. However, I'm giving Ohishi another chance. Nose: Ripe strawberry. Raspberry. Dried apricot. Plum and raisin. Honey. Toasted almond. Walnut. Pumpkin pie and vanilla ice cream. Clove, black pepper, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice. Hot cocoa. Palate: Dried apricot and fig. Vanilla, toffee, and butterscotch. Marshmallow. Raisin and red grape. Green apple. Sugar cookie. Pistachio and almond. Peaches and cream. Pumpkin spice. Black and white pepper. Hot cocoa again. Pineapple and coconut. Finish: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, white pepper. Pumpkin spice. Dried apricot. Almond and gala apple. Toffee, butterscotch, and vanilla. Pineapple. Dried apricot, grape, and fig. Hot cocoa. Medium length. This represents a significant improvement over the Acacia Cask. While many notes are shared, this bottling is much more cohesive, and the distinct elements present here that were absent in the other help unify the character. I admit I had no prior knowledge of how the Sakura Cask would influence the spirit. At least based on these two releases, Ohishi possesses a very distinctive flavor. I'm uncertain if this stems from the unconventional wood aging or the Ohishi spirit itself. However, I will say this: given the quality of this Sakura Cask, I am eager to sample more Ohishi whiskies, including those aged in Sakura casks. While $95 was a bit steep, it was ultimately justified for a limited edition of this caliber. As mentioned, this is the expression that has genuinely sparked my interest in the distillery. It's satisfying to add another Japanese distillery to my currently limited list. 4.0/5.

Perhaps my bottle needed more time, but this was a hit with everyone, and you certainly get the floral, 'cherry-blossom' aftertaste, plus it's light and easy to drink. This is unlike any rice whiskey I've had before and is a decent value if you can find it at the suggested price, maybe even if it's discounted for sitting on shelves too long (a common fate for many Japanese whiskeys in the US).

Smells like a lumberyard focused on young cherry wood. Hints of apple and spice, reminiscent of autumnal fruit potpourri. Flavors include burnt tangerine peel, crisp apple pie, pear, fig, sugared cinnamon, and vanilla on the palate. The finish is dry and lasts a while.

The aroma is like grass clippings and motor oil. The palate is surprisingly sweet, featuring caramel and wood notes, yet with a subtle turpentine undertone. The finish has a slight spiciness and metallic quality.

From club pours. This possesses one of the most exceptional and distinctive aromas I've encountered, with notes of cherry, floral, sandalwood, vanilla, berries, citrus, pear, apple, and chocolate.

The aroma is slightly unpleasant; smelling of cut grass and motor oil (like a suburban Sunday). The taste is woody with hints of anise.