Karuizawa 1990/2012 Cask #679

Karuizawa 1990/2012 Cask #679

Official bottling 
Single malt - West Honshu
Dark amber
56.1% ABV
Dram

Nose: Raisins, blackcurrants, vanilla, dried cherries, leather, cloves, hints of sandalwood. With water, less spicy, more malted grains, hints of oats.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, thickens in the mouth, slightly astringent.
Tasting: Sweet. Raisins, chocolate, cloves, blackcurrants, vanilla, leather, hints of sandalwood. With water, saltier, leather, hints of smoke.
Finish: Medium. Chocolate, blackcurrants, leather, hints of sandalwood.

Comments:

Not your usual Karuizawa. Instead of full-on, winey, vinous red grapes, this whisky has a savoury, slightly leathery (rancio?) undertone throughout. With water, it opens up, becoming saltier and even slightly smoky. Tricksy, but a real treat.

Verdict:

I like this a lot.