SHIN 15 Year Mizunara Oak Finish

I really enjoyed this. The barrel is very noticeable with deep sandalwood and no bitterness, balanced well by the maltiness of the grain. There's bright, crisp apple and rich coffee/chocolate notes along with a blueberry/blackberry jam richness that I really enjoyed. Minimal heat finish but with white peppercorns and cinnamon that hangs awhile. It's a clean and light sipper, perfect for a summer night - there is even a spray of beach too it from the wood notes. At around $90 I'd purchase it again. It is an amped-up version of the 10, with more of the Mizunara Oak flavors in an appreciated way, not just over-aged wood. This is my current top Japanese bottle, especially at this price point for the age and use of Mizunara.

Nose - plum, brandy, port wine, nutmeg, stewed pear, rum chocolate, caramel, hazelnut, mild ethanol burn. Taste - caramel, black pepper, plum, black cherry, nutmeg, rich chocolate, green spicy wood, moderate alcohol burn, finishing reasonably long with lingering spicy chocolate wordiness. Surprisingly complex for a Japanese whiskey. I find the wood flavor very interesting. Nothing like American oak; the mizunara imparts a spiciness that is really pleasant and interesting.

Smell is unimposing, oaky and astringent. Notes of light smoke, sweetness and oak. Finish is nice and easy. This is good. Under-rated. Smooth. I’d put this up against offerings double the price. A little spicy, but in a good way.

Fantastic whiskey!

Too smoky