Shinobu Mizunara Oak Finish Blended Whisky

Sampled a tasting portion. Aroma: Predominantly sherry. Bright, nutty, earthy, and mildly sweet. Plum wine, mushroom, and lemon zest are noticeable. Fresh green apple, caramel, and vanilla are subtly present in the background. Palate: A significant sherry presence, though not overwhelmingly so. Nutty, with some brininess, and light white pepper notes upon entry. Caramel and citrus flavors emerge later. Subsequent sips reverse this order, with citrus notes becoming more prominent followed by nuttiness. The finish continues with sherry notes, some peat (smoky and briny), and a light peppery spice. It's decent and offers some intriguing notes where the sherry and peat flavors mingle. The sherry influence feels unusually dominant, yet the sherry flavors don't reach the intensity of other sherry-focused spirits, which is unfortunate given the inclusion of other casks in its creation.

An elegant Scotch crafted from a mix of 50% grain and 50% malt whiskies, aged in casks that previously held bourbon or sherry, sourced from various distilleries, then finished in Mizunara oak and bottled at 43% ABV. It offers an aromatic beginning with hints of buttery grains, wood, fruit, toasted nuts, herbs, and spices; a complex and somewhat oily middle introduces notes of apple, orange, mint, white chocolate, lemongrass, sherry, and stewed vegetables; leading to a moderately spicy, medium-length finish with notes of oak, sandalwood, black pepper, lemon zest, sea spray, peat, creamy coconut, and vanilla.

An intriguing combination of flavors; a light lemon taste, which is uncommon, accompanied by nutty and sweet undertones. The sweetness is subtle but present. You can detect the lemon's tartness and zest on the lengthy finish, which has a good richness. The citrus gives the finish a bright, sparkling quality. This is unique and rather cool, but it's not quite what I look for in a whiskey. While most Mizunara whiskies I've sampled are superior, this is well-made for those who appreciate these particular flavors.

Nose: Oak, malt, grain, vanilla Palate: A thick, creamy texture with woody notes, bright, and a gentle coconut flavor. Finish: Soft, somewhat brief and sticky, with notes of banana chips and a touch of vanilla. The Japanese oak has imparted a thick, creamy, and lively palate that could be consumed generously. However, it feels somewhat uninspired and flat. The spirit's character is rather ordinary and is overshadowed by, rather than complemented by, the prominent oak.

A bright, fruity scent reminiscent of grapes and citrus. It has a light body but goes down smoothly warm. The taste is mild, with hints of citrus and oak. A very pleasant dram; more suited for warmer weather.

The nose is very fruity with a subtle hint of wheat. The palate is initially very mild, with an oily texture, a little heat, and some char. The finish is quite smooth, with just a slight burn in the throat. Very easy to drink.