Kamiki Blended Malt Japanese Whisky (500ml)

Made using local malts combined with malts from around the globe, Kamiki is the world's first whisky to be finished in casks made from yoshino-sugi (often referred to as "Japanese cedar", a particularly aromatic type of wood). Assuming this is around 4-5 years old, the colour is advanced. Notable is a fresh fragrance of pine or cedar, but it feels more-or-less attuned to the barley. The robust, malty delivery manages to hold its own against a massing, tantalising injection of wood. Crushed pine buds and cigar box get more salient towards the finish. Fanning spices and cedar shavings complete what is one of the more extreme Japanese creations tasted to date. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Another new experience for me after 30 years of doing this job. I have, in the past, had oak casks which have offered a cedar aroma...but never cedar itself! A sedate whisky but with a definite twist... Fascinating and delicious while it's at it. 91 points - Jim Murray, Whisky Bible 2021

Double Gold - World Spirits Competition 2019 - Cigar & Spirits Magazine