Sasanokawa Cherry Ex

Sasanokawa Shuzo is a name in sake and shochu making since 1765. Almost 200 years later, in 1946, they expanded their repertoire with whisky. Although Sasanokawa is a rather small distillery they manage to maintain a high quality product which keeps them in competition with the great breweries of the north. Their whisky range goes under the name of Yamazakura.

A cheap blend without big junk notes, malted caramel blue, slightly sweeter than normal (but far, far from liqueur sweetness), soft and mild I would not say, for 40% I have a good roaring (or stinging?) On the tongue when he is long remains in the mouth, comes some more nut and again brandy bean (no Mon Cherie, no fruit).

Tasting Notes :

Colour : Deep amber
Nose : Light, fruity, sparkling. A hint of whiskey, but unfortunately a lot of cheap alcohol flavors in the nose. I have no cherry, maybe the slightly musty fruitiness.
Palate : In the mouth mild and sparkling, malt, alcohol and a certain sweet fruitiness.
Finish : medium, first a slight “afterburning” as with water with very much carbon dioxide, then mainly bitter chocolate