Hatozaki : Omakase #5 Sakura Cask Finish

Tasting notes and characteristics of Hatozaki Omakase #5 Sakura Cask Finish

Tasting

Appearance
Free from any artificial colouring, this spirit draws its natural hue — a warm gold adorned with subtle coppery highlights — from its exclusive contact with new oak and Japanese cherry wood.

Nose
A harmonious and indulgent bouquet unfolds with notes of malted grains and ripe white-fleshed fruits such as pear and apple. The whole is enhanced by the richness of toasted vanilla, dried fruits, honey and soft caramel, before giving way to a delicate floral flourish evocative of cherry blossom.

Palate
The texture is silky and velvety, elegantly carrying a soft, sweet malt. Flavours of honey and toffee are perfectly balanced by a refreshing touch of citrus. The structure is upheld by an assertive presence of oak and warming spices. The medium-long to long finish offers a beautiful spiced dryness, where lingering vanilla and the delicate fragrance of sakura stretch out.

Pairings and tasting moments
Conceived as a tribute to the tradition of hanami (the contemplation of cherry blossoms), this spirit is ideally enjoyed during a quiet tasting, served neat or on the rocks. It will pair wonderfully with mild hard cheeses such as young Comté or a soft Gouda. On the sweeter side, it will elevate desserts featuring white fruits, such as a pear tart, or traditional Japanese wagashi pastries with subtle sweetness.

Mixology
Although its exceptional profile, rarity and delicate finish call for a pure, unadorned tasting, its fine structure — bottled at 46% — allows it to express itself with great elegance when lengthened in a Highball cocktail, a true institution in Japan.

An exceptional Japanese whisky: floral elegance signed by Hatozaki

The distillery
Established in 2018, the Hatozaki brand embodies the renewal and excellence of Japanese whisky. It is the fruit of the expertise of the Yonezawa family, historic owners of Akashi Sake Brewery, founded in the 19th century in Hyogo Prefecture. Now led by Kimio Yonezawa, current owner, master brewer and master distiller, the estate relies on a modern production facility: the Kaikyō distillery. Located facing the Akashi Strait, it takes its name from the famous suspension bridge nearby, while the brand pays tribute to Japan's oldest stone lighthouse, a symbol of navigation and openness. Hatozaki's identity rests on a perfect mastery of fermentation and blending, combining Japanese brewing tradition with innovative ageing techniques in rare casks.

The whisky
The Omakase #5 Sakura Cask Finish expression is a Blended Malt Whisky of great rarity, crafted exclusively from malted barley. This cuvée is part of the prestigious Omakase collection, a Japanese term meaning "I leave it up to you", which reflects the absolute trust placed in the master blender to create unique works in small batches.

This whisky stands out for its meticulous production method, based on a sequential double maturation. It first ages in heavily charred new oak casks, which give it its structure and indulgent vanilla notes. It then benefits from an exceptional one-year finish in rare Sakura casks, made from Japanese cherry wood. This unusual finish brings a delicate and unique floral signature, highly sought after by enthusiasts.

The first age statement of 5 years in the collection, this spirit is a true collector's piece. Bottled at 46% alcohol by volume and with no added colouring, it is produced in a very limited edition. A genuine tribute to the hanami season and to the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms, this niche Japanese whisky perfectly illustrates the innovation and refinement of the distillery.