Ohishi 6 Year (2014), Single Cask Nation
Whisky: Ohishi 6 Year (2014), Single Cask Nation
Country/Region: Japan
ABV: 40.5%
Cask: Sherry Hogshead (4Y), Moscatel Cask (2Y)
Age: 6 Years (Distilled July 2014, Bottled June 2021)
Nose: Sweet and syrupy, maple syrup, cherries, honey, golden syrup, wood varnish, creamed corn, with water came more oaky spice.
Palate: Medium-bodied, oak, cherry, cacao, mocha, hints of citrus, chicory, and coconut, maple syrup toward the end, drying.
Finish: Medium length, drying and dry with mocha and hints of citrus and melon rind.
Score: 5
Mental Image: Baking in Someone Else’s Kitchen
Narrative & Notes: The aroma was woody, sweet, and very syrupy as maple syrup, golden syrup, and honey wafted out of the glass. Lacquered wood and dark cherries provided an oaky background, and with a few drops of water, chocolate powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and black pepper joined the fray. The medium-bodied palate was well-balanced between sweet spirit and tannic oak. Unsweetened black cherry Kool-aid came to mind first, followed by richer notes of roasted cacao nibs and mocha with hints of chicory. A lovely undercurrent of citrus and coconut appeared toward the back end with maple syrup and lacquered wood. The whisky was quite drying, and the finish was very dry with little sweetness accompanying mocha, citrus, and melon rind.
One aspect I appreciate about Ohishi, and kōji whiskies broadly, is the mouthfeel. Despite the low abv and absence of malt, they all have an exceptional balance and weight on the palate. They are typically smooth and gentle without any sharp off notes or spikes of spirited heat. I thought this had a lovely balanced mouthfeel; I only wish the flavor profile had a bit more depth and that the finish went on for longer. The spirit felt a bit lost amongst the more audacious notes of the cask, which took the driver’s seat for most of the experience.
Overall, a friendly and intriguing whisky with a sweet aroma and balanced mouthfeel. An enjoyable contrast against malt/yeast-based whiskies, especially other sherry maturations, in any tasting lineup.
Image Credit: Whiskybase
