Akashi Single Malt Heavily Peated 1st fill Bourbon Barrel 3YO 50%abv

Nose: Medicated band aids, sump oil, lemon cough drops, damp earth, tinned pears, apple sauce, vanilla.
Palate: Smoked salmon, lemon cough drops, balsamic and olive oil. Vanilla, custard, thickened cream, custard apples, damp earth, medicated band aids.
More of the cream and custard apples with water added. Medium bodied.
Finish: Lemon curd, lemon cough drops, medicated band aids, grapefruit. Vanilla, fermented pears, green apple skins. Drier with oak and menthol with water added. Good length.
Last Word: I’ve tasted a number of these young Bourbon Barrel Akashi. Maybe they should Heavily Peat all of them, as this is easily the best to my taste.
Rating: 87/100

White Oak Single Malt Akashi 6YO The Colors of Four Seasons Marriage of 3YO Sherry & Bourbon Casks then 3 Years in Yamanashi Winery Red Wine Cask #61592 for 3 Years 63%abv

Nose: The Red Wine Cask influence is definitely present. Figs, prunes, blackcurrants, strawberries, rhubarb, mango, oak, a floral note. Soft and elegant for 63%abv. More of the dark fruits plus dark breads with water added.
Palate: Rich and the power of 63% reveals itself on the palate. Not overwhelming though. Chili, fresh ginger, pepper. Raisins, currants, pumpernickel, brandy snaps, Brazil nuts, rhubarb. Caramel, honey and chocolate covered Cool Mints with water added. Full bodied.
Finish: Long on raisins, rhubarb, vanilla, pumpernickel, banana bread, brandy snaps and some oak tannins. Water brings out Butter Menthols.
Last Word: Dang……this is good stuff! Reminds me somewhat of an excellent batch of Aberlour A’bunadh. Certainly at the top end of the best White Oak Akashi Single Malts.

Rating: 90/100

White Oak Akashi Imo Sherry Cask 3YO 50%abv

Nose: You can easily make out the sherry cask influence even though the sherry casks previously held shochu before whisky. This is the creamy nutty style of sherry rather than dried fruits like raisins. Also grilled peppers, agave, vinegar, balsamic and a touch of struck match. A perfume note but not overbearing. With water the struck match is heightened.
Palate: Currants, vanilla, roasted chestnuts, almonds, cashews, the grilled peppers. With water some tangy citrus, salt, pepper and overall feels more rounded. Medium bodied
Finish: Vanilla, balsamic, nutty sherry, the touch of struck match and quite some drying oak. Decent length if you don’t mind the dryness. With water some pleasant mintiness.
Last Word: While it doesn’t blow my mind it’s still a respectable dram. There is something a little unusual in the mix which I will assume is the cask influence. Kudos to little White Oak Distillery for experimenting with so many different cask types.

Rating: 82/100

White Oak Akashi Single Malt Uozumi Sherry & Bourbon Casks NAS 46%abv

P1050305Nose: Oloroso sherry, honey, charred oak, pepper, nutmeg, paprika, maple syrup, dried apricot and dried mango. A floral not that becomes stronger though not intrusive when water is added.
Palate: Some big wood spices, Oloroso sherry, orange, nutmeg, cocoa. Water adds some chili heat, roasted nuts and dried mango.
Finish: Chewy mints, honey, pepper, dried fruit and palate drying wood.
Last Word: Solid mix of sherry and bourbon cask whisky that can often be hit and miss in my experience and I’m a fan of spicy whiskies.

Rating: 85/100