Nagahama Peated Mizunara Cask

Nagahama Peated Mizunara Cask, 4 YO, 51.1 %

Another first here on Whisky Saga. I have never before reviewed a whisky from new Japanese producer Nagahama. Founded in 2016, Nagahama claims to be the smallest whisky distillery in Japan. It is owned by Nagahama Roman Beer Co.,Ltd., and is located in Nagahama City on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture, Japan.

This whisky was distilled in 2017-06-30 and bottled 2021-07-07. Matured in a single Mizunara oak cask (cask #192), and limited to 388 bottles (50 cl).

Bottles are still available to buy in Norway at NOK 3169 (14350902).

Nose: Sweet with notes of creamy vanilla, smokey strawberry, chocolate and toasted oak. Midsummer bonfire, hint of incense, and with time also dry and sweet aniseed.

Taste: Full bodied. Peppery and fiery. Creamy vanilla and dry aniseed. Quite dry overall, in fact. Assorted spices.

Finish: Medium to short finish. Vanilla, and again the smokey strawberry. Hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. Toasted oak.

Comment: Enjoyable. Will seek out more from Nagahama.

Score 84/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas