Kamiki Sakura Wood Blended Malt Japanese Whisky (500ml)

"...hell bent on taking whisky to new cedary levels..." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.

The third in a trio of “Japanese” whiskies under the Kamiki label (reportedly, not all of the components were Japanese, which is not unusual). This is matured in native cedar followed by a finishing in Sakura wood - aka Japanese Cherry Blossom - prized, though rarely used for whisky maturation. It's slightly deeper in colour than the 'Kamiki Original', but otherwise similar in every way. Having the cedar piquancy turned down a notch allows the malt to reveal nuances of exotic dried fruits (banana, mango) and the overall balance is improved. The style here is like some older Juras, only more full-bodied, and with conifer freshness in lieu of coastal character. Very limited stocks. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Cedar!!! Concentrated...sharp and even slightly taut on delivery; first getting tighter with the cedar and then relaxing with the sweeter butterscotch tart; settles down with an attractive lushness for a short while.; slightly citrusy sugars... but then the tannins get serious... this distillery seems hell bent on taking whisky to new cedary levels and taking us to new tannin territory. I am really beginning to get a taste for this unique stuff, though they need to work on the finish slightly to prevent the tannins from getting too frisky. 94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021