Fukano 16 Year Old First-Fill Sherry Cask Matured Japanese Whisky

This is the oldest age stated release for the category leader for this new wave of Japanese Whisky from the south. Some purists cry foul because these are distilled from fermented rice and CANNOT be called whisky in Japan, but the products meet the definition of whisky in the United States and so here we are. This distillery also has a long tradition of aging their spirits in a combination of unusual cask types from new and used American oak to brandy puncheons and of course massive sherry butts. There’s no question they had something special in mind when they filled this first fill butt more than a decade and a half ago. Sure they had no idea it would end up being sold in the US as whisky, but that doesn’t make it any less special. Massive sherry nose and mahogany color give you an idea of what’s to come. Dried fruits, pipe tobacco, spice box, oolong tea and caramelized sugar. Deep rich and textured. Easily the most intensely sherried expression we’ve seen from the excellent Fukano distillery.