Hatozaki Small Batch 12yo
A Japanese Pure Malt Whisky
Did you know I used to kitesurf? Yes, I lived closer to sea than I do now and before Covid, I actually thought it was my go to hobby. During Covid I became a father and rediscovered whisky. And since I live further away from a nice spot to surf, I decided to get rid of my kitesurf equipment.
So my wife told me she knew a couple who just moved close to a lake where kiting was possible and wanted their own set after taking lessons. She asked what I wanted for the set and I just said: A bottle of whisky.
And so they did. They got me a bottle of Japanese whisky.
And after reading up on it, this promised to be a fun one!
It got a 6 month finish on Umeshu casks. Umeshu is often referred to as plum liqueur. Ume plums are also known as Chinese plums. We call it plums, but it is actually a type of apricot.
Umeshu is liqueur made of the unripe Ume, steeped in alcohol (Shōchū) with rock sugar, and apparently aged in a cask! Umeshu is known for it’s sweet and sour flavors and I am very curious what that will do with a whisky.
This whisky was bottled at 46% Vol. And Aged 12 years on American oak before a 6 months finish on Umeshu cask.
The color is that of a deep yellow, tinged with a drop or orange.
On the nose dried reeds, a hint of straw even and mixed with some citrus and honey. In the back I can spot some vanilla, and something meaty, yeasty almost.
The first sip starts with the tingling of the tip of my tongue.
Some tannine nestles and does not leave until the finish.
The sides of my tongue are triggered by something sour-ish, but not enough to pucker my mouth.
Some deep vanilla pops up with some heat, almost chili flake style heat. a dryer note of dried apples and some minerals pop up at the back, leaving immediately for some rock candy. notes. Some plum notes pop up, but do not linger. Dried figs and apricots last a little longer. As you can tell, a lot is happening at the same time and I’m a bit confused. A second sip gives me more Ume.
The finish is medium long and consist of sugared fruit notes and a slightly dry tongue. It is a fun bottle!
Other Japanese Whiskies: