The Shin Blended Whisky Mizunara

A complex, Japanese Blended Whisky from Master Distiller Ken Usami for the Shinobu Distillery in Nigata Prefecture, Japan. It is made with 50% malted barley & grain; water from the local mountains' snowmelt; then aged in former Bourbon, former Oloroso Sherry barrels before being finished in Mizunara oak barrels from trees at least 200 years old. It has an aromatic beginning with notes of grain, wood, herbs & spices; while a rich & woody middle adds notes of oak, sandalwood, barley, cornflakes, vanilla & chocolate; that leads to a long & warming conclusion with more wood notes. November 2020

Light and pleasant on the nose with a sweet aroma, featuring apricot. It has a very mild, fresh, and easy-drinking scotch-like profile, sweet, with no smoke, and hints of grape.

Hints of sugar/maple syrup, with very light tannin. Tastes of brown sugar and banana runts. It's sweet and enjoyable.