Quite a few enthusiasts flocked to one of Osaka's savvy hotels recently to sample some of the best whiskies around right now. The Dojima Hotel welcomed the 6th 'Modern Malt Whisky Market in Osaka' on Thursday 17, 2014 - an annual event that is put on by Sanyo-Busan. The event, which is naturally also held in Tokyo, appeals to men and women from all walks of life. A variety of both Scotch and Japanese whiskies were available at hand that provided a good whisky experience. The gathering (which I must admit was a first for me) gave attendees the opportunity to sample some great whiskies (without any additional costs) while rubbing shoulders with people behind the brands, but most importantly it gave friends and acquaintances the chance to mingle together and discuss what's going on in the whisky scene today.
Personal highlights was the opportunity to sample Venture Whisky's Chichibu single cask exclusively bottled for 'Modern Malt'. Cask# 706 (Hogshead) was seasoned with peated genshu in 2009 for a short time, then emptied, and refilled in 2010 with new make distilled from Tipple barley. The cask produced an outturn of 337 bottles, and the allotment on the day sold out quick, as expected, however I do suspect this single cask to pop up in very small quantities at a few given retail establishments - bottled at 63.4%.
Naturally the spotlight was on both Joker's but the extremely small order allotment sold out in minutes - according to the promoters punters lined-up from as early as 7:00am to get the chance to make a purchase. Also drawing attention was yet another Eigashima Akashi, a 4yo that was matured in a white wine, re-charred, 2nd-fill hogshead (Cask# 61091) sourced from a Yamanashi winery. This cask produced an outturn of 400 bottles with only a small amount available on the day for order therefore, I presume this will sprout up sooner or later for retail - 54% abv.
In the Scotch whisky category everyone had their own favourites. I favoured a stunning 35yo Tomatin Cadenhead small batch (1978 vintage), exclusively for Japan, as well as Kilhoman's 2014 edition Loch Gorm - ex-sherry cask matured release. A good day out with impressive seminars. Keep your eyes out for a beautiful expression from Carn Mor - 1989 Glenrothes Sherry Cask.
i've not seen any sherry cask offerings from chichibu before, are you aware of any plans for them to do so?
ReplyDeleteI'm not aware of any plans for Chichibu to do so, however, it would be only natural for them to consider it. It is ironic that you mentioned this as some friends and I were talking about this the other day. How good would it be to have a Chichibu sherry matured release. Perhaps time will tell?
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