Outturn: 1000 bottles - ABV: 50%
Nose: Besides the obvious fact that this is a
relatively young malt to begin with, it retains a dominant young-sweetness
resembling new make elements, despite that it is 5yo, and more so than other young malts on the market. Nevertheless,
pleasant enough if you enjoy that sort of thing. Past the delinquency you get under
ripe stewed rhubarb, floral soapiness, mild apple juice, straw, red icy poles, light honey, plus
the tinniest hint of what seems to be PX on the nose. It is however a bit spirity.
Perhaps a very tired butt? In
my opinion it contains the softest touch of that typical burnt rubber that I
believe is very consistent in all Akashi releases - house style perhaps? Not a lot
changes really with the addition of water. It kind of lacks the freshness of a good calibre sherry cask.
Taste: Mild pickled ginger,
cloves, cinnamon and baked apple. As with the nose some floral elements, ever
eaten a pink carnation? Pomergranate juice. Fruity honey wine.The tyre rubber is also here to stay - in a mild way, which I must say I don't mind at all. A tad of what I presume to be PX influence - only watery. Under ripe fresh rhubarb sticks. Then, peppered green vegetables - mid way bitterness – can’t
stop thinking of Brussels sprouts? From here it goes a bit pear shaped with
dryness and chalkiness. Water tones down this - slightly.
Finish: Initially prickly and
spicy before becoming chalky and dry.
Comment: As you can see by
the photo I've played with this malt on various occasions but it never really
seems to change, it stays consistent from opening the bottle to finishing it. Not
the best from the stable, still, the nose was fun enough I give it
that.
