Nagahama Distillery Japanese New Make Spirit Heavily Peated (500ml)

Nagahama Distillery Japanese New Make Spirit Heavily Peated (500ml)
Volume: 500ml          ABV: 59%          Age: No Age Statement         Country: Japan
This little distillery was founded in 2016 and boasts that it is the smallest distillery in Japan. The small team operate in a space that is twenty six and a half square meters in space. In 2016 saw an unprecedented boost in the number of whisky distilleries in Japan. Around six distilleries started production and three of these were part of already functioning breweries. The Nagahama Distillery is one of those distilleries which is an extension of Nagahama Roman Brewery and therefor setting up this distillery was fairly quick and easy. It only took seven months to complete
The Nagahama Distillery is situated in the picturesque town of Shiga and is owned by Liquor Mountain a local retailer. The distillery took its inspiration from Scotland and two distilleries in-particular. Strathearn and Eden Mill were fairly small distilleries and were considered new, Strathearn being one of the smallest in Scotland. Nagahama Distillery use the same stills as Strathearn being Hoga Stills which are fitted with alembic heads and traditionally used for making calvados, Cognac or pisco. Made by Hoga Stills in Portugal, they are favoured by many smaller craft distillers, particularly in the US. They are cheaper than traditional pot stills and faster to get delivered than from Forsyths. The distillery boasts a 60 hour fermentation and the mash is around 400kgs. The Nagahama Distillery use mainly ex-Bourbon American oak barrels to mature their peated and unpeated spirit and the barrels are filled at 59% abv. Think Springbank!
Tasting Notes
Nose: Bursting with orchard fruits and earthy smoke, some white pepper spice.
Palate: Very smooth and fruity. Apples and pears, peaches and nectarines with some spice.
Finish: Earthy peat and spice.