Kamiki Intense

Volume: 0.5 litres | Alcohol content: 48% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: Yes

Special Features:

An extended finish in Japanese cedar makes Kamiki Intense a particularly wood-driven expression in the Kamiki range. Selected malt whiskies from Japan and other countries are blended with Japanese spring water. The whisky is then finished in casks made from Yoshino Sugi, Japanese cedar. The Intense edition spends longer in these aromatic casks than Kamiki Original.

Its character ranges from restrained, earthy wood aromas to much more intense tobacco and cinnamon spice on the palate. A delicate hint of peat complements the profile. The whisky is bottled at 48% without chill filtration and comes in a bottle containing 0.5 litres, with gift packaging.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Freshly cut wood and button mushrooms create a restrained, earthy aroma. Sandalwood adds to the nose.
• Palate: The whisky is noticeably more intense on the palate than on the nose. Toasted tobacco and sweetish cinnamon lead the flavour, while cedarwood stays in the background.
• Finish: Toasted grain and honey combine with a note of green tea on the finish.

Distillery/Bottler:

Kamiki draws its inspiration from Nara and the Ōmiwa Shrine at the foot of sacred Mount Miwa. The shrine has close ties to Japan's alcohol-producing families. The brand name reflects this connection: Kami means god, and Iki means breath. The choice of Yoshino Sugi also connects the whisky to the region; this fragrant wood has been used in Japanese temple construction for centuries.

Kamiki's present-day production includes the Kamiki Shuzou Co. distillery in the village of Soni in Nara Prefecture. It occupies a restored building that is over a hundred years old. Water from the Soni Highlands plays an important part in its work. For the Intense blended malt, the focus is on selecting Japanese and international malt whiskies and subsequently finishing them in Yoshino Sugi casks.

Facts: