Name: Ohishi Japanese Whisky Islay Cask
Brand/Distillery: Ohishi Distillery
Region: Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Age Statement: No Age Statement (NAS)
ABV: Approximately 42.8%
Mash Bill: 100% Rice (combination of malted and unmalted)
Cask Types: Initially aged in ex-brandy casks, finished in ex-Islay whisky casks

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Golden amber
• Nose: Sweet aromas of pears, honey, vanilla, and malt, with a subtle peaty background
• Palate: Honey-forward with notes of vanilla, pears, and peat, followed by a sake-like sweetness; hints of spice and tropical fruits
• Mouthfeel: Smooth and oily
• Finish: Long and smoky with lingering hints of vanilla and fruit

Food Pairings:

This whisky pairs well with smoked salmon, roasted duck, and creamy blue cheeses.

Ideal Serving Suggestions:

• Neat: To appreciate its complex interplay of sweetness and peat
• With Water: A few drops can mellow the peat and enhance the fruity notes
• Cocktail: Makes an intriguing base for a Smoky Highball or a Japanese-inspired Old Fashioned

Overall Impression:

Ohishi Japanese Whisky Islay Cask offers a unique fusion of sweet and smoky flavors, resulting from its maturation in ex-brandy casks and finishing in ex-Islay whisky casks. It's an excellent choice for those looking to explore a distinctive Japanese whisky with a harmonious balance of peat and sweetness.