SHIN 15 Year Mizunara Oak Finish

I genuinely enjoyed this. The barrel influence is very apparent with deep sandalwood and no bitterness, nicely balanced by the grain's maltiness. There are bright, crisp apple and rich coffee/chocolate notes, along with a blueberry/blackberry jam richness that I found very appealing. The finish has minimal heat but includes white peppercorns and cinnamon that linger. It's a clean and light spirit, perfect for a summer evening – it even carries a hint of the seaside from the wood notes. At approximately $90, I would buy it again. It's an enhanced version of the 10, with more pronounced Mizunara Oak flavors in a pleasing way, not just over-aged wood. This is currently my favorite Japanese bottle, especially considering its price for the age and use of Mizunara.

Nose: plum, brandy, fortified wine, spice, cooked apple, dark spirit with cocoa, toffee, nutty flavor, slight alcohol prickle. Taste: toffee, piquant spice, plum, dark cherry, spice, intense cocoa, woody notes with a green spice, noticeable alcohol warmth, with a lengthy finish carrying spicy cocoa notes and woodiness. Unexpectedly intricate for a spirit from Japan. I appreciate the wood character. Quite unlike American oak; the mizunara contributes a spice that is truly agreeable and intriguing.

Smell is unassuming, oaky and astringent. Notes of light smoke, sweetness and oak. Finish is nice and easy. This is good. Under-rated. Smooth. I’d put this up against offerings double the price. A little spicy, but in a good way.

Exceptional whiskey!

Excessively smoky