Rare Cask Society Whisky Art Project IV Yoshio Honjo - Lady Shizuka & Yoshitsune Cask Strength Single Malt Australian Whisky (2x500ml)

The Rare Cask Society's fourth edition has been seven years in the making and marries the distilling traditions of East and West: For the first time, Japanese sake has been applied in seasoning finishing casks resulting in two distinct new expressions: an ex-Port Cask (Commander Yoshitsune 64.2% ABV) and an ex-Sherry Cask (Lady Shizuka 60% ABV) whisky. The collaboration involved celebrated Japanese-Australian artist, Yoshio Honjo and the award-winning Overeem distillery in Tasmania. The labels depict Yoshitsune, a military commander in the late Heian period, considered one of the greatest warriors of his era, and most famous Samurai fighters in the history of Japan, and Shizuka Gozen, or Lady Shizuka, a court dancer, mistress to Yoshitsune, and one of the most famous women featured in Japanese chronicles and literature of the era. The seven year old whiskies were finished for eleven months in the custom-coopered 100 litre barrels. Both are highly polished malts that will outshine many a Scottish equivalent - and beyond. Tasted from 30ml samples, the Port cask edition possesses an XO cognac-like quality on the nose as well as remarkable vitality and finesse with flavours akin to high quality fruit'n'nut dark chocolate. The wine input is deftly handled and there's ample palate presence. The more deeply coloured sherry matured edition is equally sublime, but needs more time to 'wake up'. It offers a superb fusion of malt and dried fruit flavours with impressive depth, sustained length and a taut structure akin to a fine wine. The finish melts away with hints of candied mandarin, vanilla, hazelnut, wood spice and bitter dark chocolate. It tastes older than what it actually is. Both expressions capture a seamless integration of wine, wood and barley with fabulous balance and length. By any standard, these are stellar malts. 165 bottle pairings are on offer.