Shinobu Mizunara Oak Finish Blended Whisky

Tasted a sampler. Nose: Sherry-forward. Bright, nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet. Plum wine, mushroom, lemon zest are upfront. Fresh green apple, caramel, and vanilla are subtle in the background. Palate: Notable sherry influence but not quite a sherry monster. Nutty, some brininess, light notes of white pepper on the entry. Caramel and citrus notes develop later. Later sips reverses the order with the citrus notes more upfront and the nuttiness following right behind. Finish continues on the sherry notes with some peat (smoky and briny) with light peppery spice. Not bad and has some interesting notes with the sherry and peat flavors intermingling. The sherry influence is oddly overpowering, though the sherry flavors don't quite reach the levels of other sherry monsters, which I feel is a shame given the other casks that have gone into this.

An elegant, Blended Whisky crafted with a blend of 50% grain & 50% malt whiskies matured in ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks that were sourced from multiple distilleries, before being finished together in Mizunara oak & bottled at 43% ABV. It has an aromatic birth with notes of buttery grains, wood, fruit, roasted nuts, herbs & spices; while a complex & slightly oily life adds notes of apple, orange. mint white chocolate, lemon grass, sherry & stewed vegetables; that led to a slightly spicy death of medium length with notes of oak, sandalwood, black pepper, lemon zest, sea spray, peat, creamy coconut & vanilla.

Ineresting blend of flavor, theres a light lemon flavor which i dont see too often, with some nutty and sweet undertones. Sweetness is faint, but there. You can get some of the sour and tang of the lemon on the tail, which is pretty long, as its got a good amount of richness to it. Bright and sparkling on the tail because of the citrus. Which is unique and kinda cool, but not what i'm after really in a whiskey. Most mizunara ive tried are better, but well made for those that like these flavors.

N: Oak, malt, cereal, vanilla P: Creamy and woody thickness, bright and with a soft coconut flavour. F: soft, a little short and sticky, banana chips and a little vanilla. The effect of the Japanese oak has been to create a thick, creamy and vibrant palate that could be drunk by the pint. But, it is left a little lacklustre and flat. The spirits influence is a little pedestrian and overshadowed by, rather than complimented by, the rich oak. Distiller whisky taste #27

Bright fruity smell reminiscent of grape and citrus. Light mouthfeel, but smoothly warm going down. Taste is mild, with notes of citrus and oak. Very pleasant to sip; more of a warm weather whisky.

Very fruity on the nose with a hint of wheat. Palette is very subtle at first, oily with a little heat and char. The finish is very smooth with just a bit of fire in the throat. Very easy to drink.