Kanosuke New Born 8 Months Single Malt 200ml 58%

Volume: 200ml / ABV: 58%

The Kanosuke New Born 8 Months is an intriguing expression from the Kanosuke Distillery, located in Kagoshima, Japan. This release is part of the distillery’s “New Born” series, which showcases their young whiskies that have not yet reached the full three years of ageing required to be classified as single malt whisky. The New Born series allows whisky enthusiasts to follow the distillery’s journey and observe how their whisky evolves over time.

Kanosuke New Born 8 Months is crafted using non-peated malt from the UK and distilled in the distillery’s unique pot stills. The whisky undergoes its first distillation in a wash still and a second distillation in a spirit still designed to create a fuller body. It is then aged for 8 months in re-charred American white oak casks that previously held Komasa Jyozo’s barrel-aged rice shochu, Mellow Kozuru. This short maturation period takes place in Kanosuke Distillery’s sea breeze-infused storehouse, which imparts a distinctive character to the whisky. Bottled at cask strength, it offers an intense and unadulterated tasting experience.

Tasting Note

Colour

Amber, with a noticeable thickness.

Nose

The aroma presents a slight sweetness of maple and roasted oak, with hints of confectioners’ sugar, lychees, longan, and rambutan. There are also notes of vanilla chiffon cake and bread pudding, with a touch of banana milkshake at the tail end.

Palate

The initial mouthfeel is youthful, followed by the sweetness of malt and the freshness of green apples. The palate also features flavours of Thailand sweet-sour tamarind, vanilla, sugar icing, and some cinnamon spice. The whisky is thick and mouth-covering, with a buttery and honeyed texture.

Finish

The finish is medium in length, with a lingering cinnamon-like spiciness and a bittersweet fruity medley. It leaves a mellow sweetness followed by lingering malt and chocolate brownie notes.