Ohishi Sakura Cask Review

The Ohishi distillery is located near the village of Mizukami in the Kumamoto prefecture of Japan. Sixth-generation distiller Kazunori Ohishi is an artist. I have yet to have anything from the Ohishi Distillery that isn't world class. Ohishi elevates what can be done with a rice spirit. They draw their four varietals of rice from their village of Mizukami, 30% of this rice is grown on Ohishi's own land. Ohishi’s whiskies are all made from 100% rice; a portion of which is koji-kame, or infected with koji — a beneficial fungus used in sake production.

This particular release is a blend of their brandy and sherry casked whiskies that has been further aged for nine months in Japanese cherrywood casks.

This whisky is ethereal. Crème brûlée and soft fruit notes on the nose. The palate is custard, spice, floral, and sweet red fruit. The finish lingers with notes of spice and more creamy custard. There’s a very distinct cherrywood sawdust note, in the most pleasant way. If you’ve ever done woodworking with cherry this whisky tastes exactly how worked cherry smells.

This is an absolute must have whisky. If you see anything from Ohishi, do not hesitate to grab it.

This was not a completely objective review as it was not done blind. I was aware of what I was drinking at the time of drinking it.

Also, I see you little dude on the bottom of the box!