Hakata 10 Year Sherry Cask is a Japanese whisky distilled in Fukuoka from 100% barley, including a portion fermented with Koji. It matures in ex-sherry casks in warehouses and is bottled at 42% ABV. It comes in a 750 mL bottle priced at $79.99.
A pinch of citrus brightens up the overwhelming character of oxidized wine, but not much. It’s as unique an expression of Japanese whiskey as I’ve encountered; I’ve had Spanish sherries that had less of a sherry character than this.
The finish is lightly tannic with a moderate level of sherry wine, jammy fruit mixed with fresh berries and toasted nuts. Overall, fun and a solid whisky for a solid price.
