Kawasaki 1981-2009, Ichiro's Choice, Refill Sherry Butts, 87/710, 62.4% abv.

Kawasaki is considered the sister distillery to Karuizawa and produced grain whiskies with a supposedly 90% corn mashbill. Not sure if Mercian bought the grain distillery or started their own. Unfortunately, back then times were rough and the distillery closed because the new owners (Kirin) weren't interested in whisky (but now they produce at 富士御殿場, talk about poor business decisions. Ichiro Akuto (Ichiro's Choice) bought the remaining stock at Karuizawa and Kawasaki and released them over time. This was one of the earlier releases by Ichiro's Venture Whisky company.

Nose: good body, strong grain aromas, white and brown sugar, molasses syrup, very sweet.

Palate: good body, strong grain whisky flavors,  brown sugar, syrup, honey, vanilla/toast, a little bit of wood. Very direct flavors. Not sure where the refilled sherry comes in though.

Finish: short, aftermath of molasses syrup, some abv numbness.

This is an amazing whisky as well as an amazing grain whisky. Not sure where the refilled sherry comes in.

Grade: A

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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