Yamazaki Tsukuriwake Selection — Mizunara Oak

How it drinks

Sight

Pale gold with subtle straw tint — Mizunara extracts less colour than European or American oak; bright and clean

Nose

Sandalwood, incense, and coconut — the holy trinity of Mizunara — presented in the Tsukuriwake framework for direct comparison with the Spanish Oak and Peated Malt expressions. Temple incense (kyara) is prominent. White peach, pear, and subtle lemongrass. Honey and light vanilla. More accessible than the 2014 Mizunara release but sharing the same exotic DNA

Palate

The Mizunara character in a more approachable format. Sandalwood, coconut, and temple incense provide the exotic foundation. White peach, pear, and honey from the spirit add sweetness and balance. Lemongrass, star anise, and gentle clove contribute oriental spice complexity. The texture is oily and waxy — Mizunara's distinctive mouthfeel. Less tannic than the 2014 Mizunara, suggesting younger component whiskies that allow the Mizunara to express itself without excessive astringency

Finish

Medium-long finish dominated by sandalwood and incense, with coconut and white peach providing sweetness. Lemongrass and star anise add an exotic spice tail. The finish is contemplative and uniquely Japanese — no equivalent exists in the Scotch canon

Tasting notes are AI-assisted and still being refined.