Hatozaki 12 yo Umeshu Cask Finish

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 46% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

This limited Hatozaki release combines malt whiskies that have each matured for at least twelve years in American oak casks. The whisky then spends a further six months in specially selected casks previously used for Japanese umeshu plum liqueur. This finish adds a sweet plum note to its malty foundation. The blended malt is bottled at 46% in 0.7-litre bottles, without added colouring or chill filtration.

Pear and apricot shape the bright fruit character, complemented by honey. Cereal and a subtle iodine note provide a counterpoint to the sweetness, while yellow plum lingers for a long time.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose reveals cereal, fresh pear and apricot.
• Palate: On the palate, pear and apricot combine with honey and malty pastries; the umeshu cask contributes sweetness.
• Finish: The finish is long and sweet, with lingering jam-like yellow plum.

Distillery/Bottler:

Kimio Yonezawa founded Hatozaki and the Kaikyō Distillery in Hyōgo Prefecture in 2017. Behind them stands the Yonezawa family and its Akashi Sake Brewery, whose history dates back to 1917. The brand takes its name from the historic Hatozaki lighthouse in Akashi. For Hatozaki, the team selects malt whiskies from Japan and other countries, blends them and handles their further maturation and bottling at the Kaikyō and Miki sites. In this edition, maturation in American oak is followed by a six-month finish in umeshu casks.

Facts: