White Oak Akashi 3 Year (Sake Cask #101528)

Since sake isn't aged in wood, the distillery had to give up the sake used to season the barrel for this experiment. The aroma is captivating, with floral notes, a salty tang, and hints of earthy peat smoke. It’s truly one-of-a-kind. On the palate, it’s like rice wine amplified by the high alcohol content. You get notes of shiitake mushrooms, miso, and menthol, leading to a floral and herbal taste. The finish is medium, lively, and fresh, ending with hints of licorice and green tea. I'd almost say: This is Japanese whisky!

The scent is strong but fleeting; it smells of pepper and vanilla. The flavor is potent and lingers with pepper, disappearing from the mouth rather quickly; the taste is full, quite floral toward the end of the flavor.

Remarkably smooth, with virtually no lingering aftertaste.