Yamazakura Kuyuri Peated Blended Whiskey / 46% / 0.7l

Founded in 1765, Sasanokawa Shuzo is one of Japan's oldest producers of sake and shochu.

Shortly after the end of World War II, the company applied for a license to produce whisky and has been offering cheap blends since 1946. On its 250th anniversary (2015), Sasanokawa Shuzo built a small malt distillery, Asaka, in Fukushima Prefecture. It was also then that Yamazakura whisky debuted, the name of which translates from Japanese to Mountain (Yama) of Blossoming Cherry Blossoms (sakura). Yamazakura Kuyuri ("kuyuri" translates from Japanese to "smoky") is the company's new offering in the blended whisky segment. The only thing we know about its components is that they include a single malt with a peat profile and corn whisky.

Nose: slightly peaty, cereals, vanilla, caramel, orange and lemon peel, sugared nuts, a pinch of pepper and oak chips.

Taste : consistent with the aroma, breakfast cereal, vanilla, brown sugar, butter cookies, orange peel, a pinch of salt and pepper and a light smoke in the background.

Finish : medium long, slightly smoky, with notes of vanilla, caramel, cereal, citrus peel and pepper.