I’ve been making a concerted effort to try more Japanese whisky. This makes for my 4th review, and the first I’ve done of a spirit aged in Mizunara Oak. I know these guys source, but unlike many, they source from within Japan, as opposed to Scotland. Nose: Sandalwood, saltwater taffy, bubblegum. Apple, orange, pear, banana, and vanilla. Coconut. Cucumber as well. Sort of a ginger ale note. Very sweet. Oak as well, but markedly different from what I’m used to. It’s lighter, more subtle. Palate: Very floral. Still getting the cucumber. Vanilla, toffee, and malt. Shortbread cookie that reminds me of an Irish. Big time bubblegum, Macadamia nut. Some caramel in the background. The apple, pear, and banana carry over. Green bell pepper on the mid-palate. Once again, green, grassy, and floral. Subtle oak. Delicious. Finish: Bell pepper and malty notes carry over from the palate. Plenty of spice. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon. Definitely the spiciest part of the experience, maybe even a bit hot. Moderate-long finish. Solid value here. Continually impressed with the Japanese product. Doesn’t boast the powerhouses that Scotch offers, but the few I’ve reviewed so far have been able to keep the pace of mid-level Scotch expressions. What Japanese whisky lacks in age, it makes up for in uniqueness and complexity. This is a fine example of both. 4/5 for this. Looking forward to trying more Mizunara Oak expressions because I think that’s a large part of the appeal here. It’s a step outside the boundaries for whisky as I’ve known it, and I like what I’ve discovered. If you’re looking to get into Japanese whisky, this should be one of the first few you try. Great representative.