Ontake Distillery The 1st 43% NV

Brennerei	Ontake Distillery
Abfüller	OB
Serie	Inaugural release
Abgefüllt für	Japan
Destillationsdatum	Not Specified
Abfülldatum	2023
Land	Japan
Region	Kagoshima
Alter
Cask Type	First Fill Solera Sherry Butt
Fassnummer
Alcohol percentage	43
Inhalt	0,70
Zustand	Perfekt
Label	Perfekt
Vorrat	1

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BOW (87)

In 2019, a new distillery named 'Ontake' emerged in Japan. Situated in the picturesque, hilly landscape of Kagoshima Prefecture, just east of the prefectural capital that shares the same name. The distillery is named after the Sakurajima volcano, historically known as 'Ontake', which provides a stunning focal point visible from the distillery. Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with hundreds of small eruptions occurring annually.

After five years of diligent distillation and aging, the first edition of Ontake Single Malt Japanese whisky has been released. This extremely rare whisky is available globally in limited quantities, marking a historic first release.

Ontake Distillery - 御岳蒸留所
In 2019, the popular Japanese Shochu producer, Nishi Shuzo, expanded its operations by establishing a completely new whisky distillery. This expansion is not seen as a mere side project by the producer; it reflects a commitment to quality and craftsmanship in the production of high-quality distilled beverages.

With the installation of two modern pot stills, the distillery focuses on three main principles for Ontake whisky: 1. Extreme purity, 2. Aromatic fruitiness, 3. Full-bodied flavor.

### Ontake Japanese Single Malt ‘The First Edition’
This first Ontake Japanese Single Malt whisky is fully aged in old sherry casks, specifically first-fill Solera sherry butts. The foundation of the whisky is exceptionally pure and naturally soft water, filtered and polished over many years in the hilly Kagoshima region. Using proprietary yeast, carefully selected two-row barley, and sherry casks, the result is a pure, fruity, and full-bodied flavor. Born from the blessings of the earth, Ontake The First Edition is packaged in an elegant wooden case.

Tasting Notes:
- Color: Bright amber.
- Nose: Plum mousse, dried raisins, cinnamon, and lemon.
- Palate: Rich and sweet with dried fruit, hazelnut, pear compote, apricot, and a light spiciness.
- Finish: Warm and lingering with chocolate and an elegant sweet-bitter balance.

Serge Valentin (80)

This one brings us to Hioki City in the Kagoshima prefecture, already home to Tsunuki (Mars) and Kanosuke. This is, of course, our first Ontake, and it is undoubtedly very young, probably around 3 years old. The price is quite high for a 43% ABV, but we've seen this with initial releases from various distilleries before. Auction sales typically sort things out. Colour: gold. Nose: a lovely nose, initially a bit metallic, then moving to overripe apple and Belgian beer, with cherry leaves and stems in the background, followed by green nuts directly from the sherry. Mouth: a very classic whisky, well-made, without obvious peculiarities, and somewhat light due to the alcohol level that feels very 1990s. A dry and rather herbal sherry does most of the work, with walnut wine, cherry stems again, touches of slightly bitter radish, and leather... Finish: of medium length, consistently on similar notes. Bitter almonds and green nuts, plus a hint of candied sugar. Comments: no problem, it will no doubt improve. Not too sure about those 43% though.