Shinobu The Shin Mizunara Oak Finish 10 Year Old Pure Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)

A long time brewer, Shinobu's Master blender, Mr. Usami is following a dream of creating his own local whisky. While the distillery is a work in progress, Usami hones his skills sourcing malts and blending whiskies, finishing them in Japan's precious Mizunara oak. Brilliant copper topaz in colour, his 10 year old is beautifully integrated. The aroma offers a fine balance between nashi pear-like fruitiness and exotic woods. Hints of pipe tobacco, vanilla and menthol emerge after extended time in the glass. In the mouth, it's a soft, deliciously rounded assemblage, with the malt carried in a swathe of sweet woods and fanning spices. This also shows the best staying power of the bunch, with the final stages becoming mildly oily, lingering with suggestions of dried fruits. 48% Alc./Vol.

Category Winner (World Whisky Award, 2020)
Gold Medal (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2020)