Yoshino Spirits has extended its Kamiki blended malt whisky range with a new expression, Kamiki Sakura.
Kamiki Sakura is matured in Japanese cedar wood casks and finished in casks made from sakura, or cherry blossom, as it is more commonly known. It follows Kamiki and Kamiki Intense, which, according to Yoshino Spirits, were the first whiskies to be finished in cedar wood.
Yoshino Spirits said its new expression “takes the brand an innovative step further”.
The company pointed out the significance of the Sakura tree in Japan, where it symbolises the beginning of Spring and is connected to a Japanese term for mortality. The tree often features in Japanese art, manga novels and comics and film.
Yoshino Spirits described the Sakura’s effect on its latest whisky as “outstanding”. On the nose it offers ripe banana, candied chestnuts, cinnamon and hints of pine, which are followed by sandalwood and spice. Its finish, according to Yoshino Spirits, is floral and spring-like.
Kamiki means ‘God’s Breath’ in Japanese. The brand evolved at the Omiwa Shrine at the foot of Mount Niwa in Japan where alcohol created by the local spirit producers is served as a blessing.
As reported, Yoshino Spirits aims to extend its global network through travel retail as part of a drive to become Japan’s largest independent craft spirits exporter. It also plans to become Japan’s leading craft spirits importer.
