Another stellar Japanese malt. I smell fruitcake and spiced pear, while Kory (whom I’m sharing this bottle with) smells prunes (and he’s right). There’s lots of finesse here, with a funky, sour oak note and gentle thunder at play. On the palate, pastry notes return: peach upside down cake and rich notes of the best tiramisu you’ve ever had. Bright notes of guava are apparent, while gardenia blossoms grace the upper palate. Rain soaked moss and gentle peat smoke add to the subtleties of this whisky, while the oak funk nuance adds depth and intrigue. The finish is gorgeous, with oak spice and sandalwood displacing the dessert notes as the primary tone. A flourish of tropical fruit and salinity send it down.