Ohishi 10 Year Brandy Cask Japanese Whisky
CRITICAL ACCLAIM:
“Fully matured in cognac casks for 10 to 13 years, the nose initially has vanilla sugar, dried banana, lemon and lime hard candies, then pineapple chunks, lemon zest, pink peppercorns, and hints of pine floor polish. In contrast, the scrumptious palate is like a plate of homemade cookies, with praline, milk chocolate, dark fruits, caramel sauce, vanilla custard, and chocolate brownies, ending with a dry finish of lightly spiced cookie dough.” - 91 PTS., WHISKY ADVOCATE (12/2020)
DISTILLERY NOTES:
OVERVIEW: “The Ohishi Brandy Cask 10 Year is a masterful creation that reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and tradition. This exquisite whisky undergoes a meticulous maturation process in carefully selected brandy casks, allowing it to absorb the rich complexities of the wood while maintaining its distinct rice whisky character.”
TASTING:
APPEARANCE - “Rich amber hue with golden undertones, showcasing the depth gained from a decade in carefully selected brandy casks”
NOSE - “Intense and inviting, the aroma opens with pronounced notes of dried apricot and orange peel, further layered with hints of caramel and vanilla. Subtle spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg lend a warm complexity, complemented by a delicate floral undertone reminiscent of jasmine”
PALATE - “The entry is smooth and luxurious, unveiling a melange of ripe fruits—baked apple and poached pear—enveloped in a creamy mouthfeel. The influence of the brandy cask brings forth luscious notes of toffee and roasted nuts, balanced by a touch of oak and a whisper of earthiness. A gentle sweetness carries through, harmonizing beautifully with the spirit's inherent characteristics”
FINISH - “The finish is long and warming, marked by lingering flavors of dark chocolate and honey, with a touch of spice that invites another sip. The complexity and richness create an elegant aftertaste, reflective of the meticulous aging process.”
IMPORTER NOTES:
ABOUT THE DISTILLERY: "Ohishi is the closest distillery to the source of the Kuma River. The Kuma River is one of the 3 fastest flowing in Japan and is renowned for its superior water quality. The Ohishi Distillery is blessed with fertile Soil and clear underground water, elements of an environment in which it upholds tradition but is always open to experimenting with new approaches. They use 30% of rice grown in their own fields. It is “gohyakumanishi”( 5 million stones) rice. The gohyakumanishi rice is grown in Ubuyamamura using an organic farming method that involves the use of koi carp to control weeds in paddy fields). They combine it with a mochi rice from Kumamoto Prefecture as a main ingredient. With about 1200 Sherry and Brandy casks, Ohishi Distillery puts a lot of effort into maturing its products over a long period of time."