KAMIKI Blended Malt Whisky SAKURA & CEDAR Cask Finish 48% Vol. 0,5l in Giftbox

Following on from the acclaimed Kamiki and Kamiki Intense expressions – the first whiskies matured in Japanese Cedar wood – this exciting new expression takes the brand an innovative step further, this time with a finish in Sakura wood, or Japanese Cherry Blossom as it is more commonly known. 

Unlike Scotch whisky, which is riddled with rules and regulations dictating the different types of wood in which you can mature whisky, the years for which your liquid has to be matured and such like, the World Whisky category remains fairly unchecked. This has allowed a number of brands, with Kamiki being the most obvious, to delve deep into the world of experimentation and innovation, creating some extraordinary and mouth-watering expressions in the process.

Kamiki entered the World Whisky category in 2018 with the two previously mentioned expressions, the Original and Intense, and they received plaudits on the world stage for their creations. 

Naturally, we were delighted to be given the opportunity to work with Kamiki once again and bring this fantastic new whisky to our customers around the globe. 

Already it has picked up awards, winning a Gold Award at the China Wine & Spirits Awards 2019, a Double Gold at the Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards 2019, SIP Platinum Awards 2019, and we are sure there are plenty more to come.

Kamiki – Combining Tradition With Modern Practices

Kamiki, meaning God’s Breath in Japanese, was born at the Omiwa Shrine at the foot of Mount Niwa in Japan. Here, alcohol created by the local spirit producers is served as a blessing.

Kamiki was created to further this tradition by taking a range of some of the finest whiskies from Japan and blending them with the best whiskies from overseas before maturing in a range of peculiar wood types. The results are smooth, intricate and intriguing expressions that differ from the norm and deliver a truly unique tasting experience.

This new expression was finished in Japanese Cedar wood, just like the two before it, before being transferred to casks made from the famous Sakura tree for further finishing. 

The Sakura tree is hugely famous in Japan. It symbolises the beginning of Spring and is intrinsically connected to “mono no aware”, a Japanese term for the awareness of impermanence, or in other words – mortality. 

The gorgeous tree can often be seen in Japanese art, manga and film and it has been an important symbol in the country for some time, highlighting the fact that nothing lasts forever and that one should live in the moment. 

The effect of the sakura wood on this dram are outstanding. On the nose it brings ripe banana, candied chestnuts, cinnamon and hints of pine. As you continue to sniff, there’s a distinct warming woodiness that reminds one of a sauna. These combine with a centre palate woodiness, sandalwood and gentle spice, before sweet cherries cut through the more savoury notes, leading to a floral, spring-like finish. 

A little water brings out hints of hibiscus and Turkish delight, with lingering peppery notes that all mingle in the most elegant of fashions.

Awards:
Bronze at the 2022 New York International Spirits Competition.
Double Gold at the Cigar & Spirits magazine Competition 2021
Gold at the European Spirits Challenge 2021
Double Gold at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Competition 2019
Double Gold at the Cigar & Spirits Magazine 2019
Gold at the China Wine and Spirits Awards 2019
Platinum at the SIP Awards 2019
Double Gold at the 2019 Women’s Wine & Spirit Awards
Gold at the 2019 San Diego Spirits Competition
«CONSUMER’S CHOICE» Award at the 2019 SIP Awards
«INNOVATION» Award at the 2019 SIP Awards

Colour: Rich gold.
Nose: Ripe bananas, candied chestnuts, cinnamon, hints of pine.
Taste: Warm, floral, wood, sandalwood, spices, sweet cherries.
Finish: Long lasting.