55,5°
Distillery : Shizuoka - Japan
Ex-Bourbon Barrels and Quarter Casks, Ex-Sherry Hogsheads
Original Bottling
Limited Edition
Single Pot Still
Bottled in 2022
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength
The Shizuoka distillery was founded in 2017 by Gaia Flow, an importer of Blackadder, Asta Morris and Mackmyra, among others. What's really exciting is that they have recovered the 3 stills from the legendary Karuizawa distillery, which was dismantled in 2011, as well as all the distilling equipment. In a way, we have a new Karuizawa in operation, and it seems that the resemblance between the two distillates is striking. This Pot Still, which we read is the first edition, was distilled in Karuizawa stills, which is why the initial K appears on the label. The barley used comes from Scotland, 45% is peated and the rest is unpeated. 3000 bottles have been put on sale. The peat content is not specified anywhere, but I estimate it to be around 25/30 ppm.
Let's Taste It :
Well-balanced nose, mineral, limestone, quartz, slate, evanescent white fruits. Nice depth of iodine, damp peat that gives it breadth. Gypsum, chalk, jasper. A few hazelnuts. Rough cereals, corn, puffed rice, wheat germs. A hint of vanilla. Softer on the palate. The fruits are a little more present, the peat takes a back seat. Very measured spices, rice pudding. It's young, and it can be felt, even if it's well done. The finish is quite long and explosive, the minerality returns, it's rocky, pebbles in the river, stalactites. Vanilla bean, white chocolate with dried grapes.
In Short,
This is a distillery with an enormous potential. The distillate is deeply original, very radical and typically Japanese. On the whole, it's very well made, very balanced and measured, with nothing standing out. However, it's very young, and you can feel it on the palate, and when I see the price, I wonder if they're not fooling us a bit, it's far too expensive in my opinion.
Score : 88
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Brian Eno - 1/2
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