Whisky: Komagatake 6 Year (2015) Cask 3225

Country/Region: Japan

ABV: 63%

Cask: First Fill Bourbon Barrel

Age: 6 Years (Distilled 2015, Bottled 2021)

Nose: Pears, green apple, florals, honey, a touch of mint and grassy sweetness, mellow oak with #2 pencils and pecan shells, a touch of dried coconut and coffee.

Palate: Medium-bodied, vibrant and a touch oily, pears, apples, green plum, wood, grassy sweetness, dried coconut and coffee.

Finish: Medium-length with herbs, honey, and mild earth.

Score: 6

Mental Image: Repurposed Coffee Tin

Narrative & Notes: An unexpected glimpse into my Grandmother’s kitchen— sliced pears and chopped apples for pie making, green apples and honeydew melon for snacking, honey for sweetness, and a touch of roses or floral lilies to lighten the air. Wood sometimes stood out with #2 pencils and pecan shells, two constants in my childhood, while more subtle notions of mint and grassy sweetness lingered in the background. A touch of dried macerated coconut and instant coffee— tinned Folger’s— called to mind Christmas candy making in that warm kitchen. Medium-bodied and slightly oily, the flavor profile was vibrant and green, with a cart full of pears, apples, and the odd green plum. The fruits largely faded as honey, green grass, and a hint of honeysuckle arrived, though green plum hung on until the end. A touch woody at times, more #2 pencils and pecan shells, with hints of herbal tobacco or tea leaves. The finish was medium-length with herbs, honey, and mild earth.

Allowed only two terms to describe this malt, I would go with “green and alive.” This malt had a striking vibrancy as orchard fruits and subtle florals collided over wood and coconut. A unique combination, to be sure, and an unexpected dose of nostalgia. This was that perfect storm of unbidden memories helping to elevate the experience— though I do not expect everyone to share that.

Considering my love of nostalgia-inducing malts, the score might seem a tad low, and to be sure, this was close to coming in at a higher level. However, the finish was an unescapable weakness, and the flavors did take a slightly bitter turn toward the end between the subtle sour plum and the underlying wood. A few drops of water brought out more sweet plum and pushed some of the wood further into the background.

Overall, a delightful malt that felt made for summertime sipping.

Image Credit: JPHA Spirits