1982 Kawasaki Sherry Cask #4711 Single Grain 65.3%

Nose: clean thick grape offering several layers of depth and intensity. Salty and sharp, too. My god, this is very much alive and kicking… Taste: classic! Faultless grape arm in arm with rich, fruity fudge. Some spices arrive on impact and slowly spread out with the marauding sugars. Finish: chocolate fudge and garibaldi biscuit… carried far on usual oils for a grain… amazing! Balance: my usual reaction to seeing the words “sherry” and “whisky” when in the context of Japanese whisky, is to feel the heart sinking like the sun. Sulphur is a problem that is no stranger to their whiskies. This, however, is a near perfect sherry butt, clean and invigorating. Grain or malt, it makes no difference: excellent spirit plus excellent cask equals (as often as not) magnificence.