Fujikai 10 YO

Fujikai 10 YO, 43 %

Today I am reviewing a new product from Japan, the Fujikai 10 YO from Monde Shuzou Distillery. This is the same company that produced the Isawa. It is being imported to Europe by Les Whiskies du Monde.

The Fujikai 10 YO has been matured for 10 years in bourbon casks, and is bottled at 43 %. It is sold in 50 cl bottles, and is limited to 8808 bottles.

I am not sure if this will be on sale in Norway and Sweden, but it might be. You can buy it online from many outlets; in the UK it costs about GBP 41.

Nose (20/25): Musty and earthy. Lots of oak here. Caramel, vanilla and something distinctly like vegetables and fresh herbs. Pine wood and vague hints of peat. Actually reminds me a bit of small batch, "single distilled vodka" from Poland, or Shōchū (a traditional Japanese distilled beverage, typically made from rice, barley, sweet potatoes, buckwheat, or brown sugar). I do like to be challenged by a dram, like this. There's a lot going on here, some of it maybe not purely positive, but I am challenged! It feels young-ish, though. Give it time in the glass and it becomes more fruity; green apples and pears.

Taste (17/25): Wet leaves on a wood trail in the late Autumn - so again quite earthy. Ashes and burnt fruit. It has a bit of an alcohol bite to it. Quite bitter. Lots of oak - wet planks and fresh wood.

Finish (17/25): Mint, green herbs, ginger, white pepper, and oak. Medium long finish, with a dry-ish and metallic final note.

Balance (18/25): Interesting for sure, lots going on, but I am not entirely convinced. Happy to have tried it. believe it or not, but this kind of experience is one of my favorites things about this obsession of mine.

Score (72/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas