Shizuoka United S First edition 50.5%ABV 30ml

Review from Whiskynotes.be

Shizuoka United S (50,5%, OB 2023, first edition, 5000 btl.)

Nose: interesting. First there’s the typical gin-like freshness that I associate with Shizuoka, with mint leaves, fennel seeds and wild herbs. Some apple and nectarine sweetness. Then also sesame crackers, hummus, vanilla and something lightly milky, hints of toast (even smoke?), nougat and biscuits. Overall one of the rounder noses I’ve had from Shizuoka.

Mouth: a rather thick, fresh and herbal entry, with plenty of yeasty notes now. Some beer-like notes before it moves towards caramelized notes, toffee and a honeyed maltiness. Hints of freshly baked pastry, orange peeels and mixed oriental spice. Faint earthy hints in the end.

Finish: medium length, with barley sweetness, cumin and pepper. Some umami notes in the background.

A rather mild and smooth Shizuoka. Some will say this is very balanced, while I think it is slightly less typical because the elements of each style get washed out a little. Vanilla and honey from the oak manage to overtake the more unique elements in the spirit.