Ohishi Distillery Whiskey Brandy Cask

Overview
Ohishi Brandy Cask Finish is a rice-based Japanese whisky from Ohishi Distillery, distinguished by its unconventional mashbill and finishing in ex-brandy casks that add layers of sweetness to the spirit's light profile. Produced as an exploration of rice whisky potential, it stands apart from barley-driven Japanese whiskies by Suntory or Nikka.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Ohishi Distillery, established in 1872, specializes in rice-based liquors, using a unique blend of malted and unmalted rice for its whiskies rather than traditional barley. The pale white gold color and viscous texture reflect the lighter influence of older brandy casks, suggesting room for evolution with newer wood.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Light and airy with prominent caramel, fresh apples, and subtle traces of licorice and anise.
• Palate: Sweet honey dominates, delivering a soft, approachable body with caramel undertones, though it lacks deeper complexity.
• Finish: Distinct and sweet with caramelized notes that linger moderately, occasionally feeling slightly out of place.

Notable details

• Production: Distilled from rice, finished in ex-brandy casks, non-chill filtered with slow-moving tears indicating viscosity.
• Lineage: From Ohishi Distillery's rice liquor tradition since 1872.
• Comparison: Sweeter and more interesting than Kikori rice whisky.
• Availability: Originally priced at $75 MSRP; best suited for sampling given its curiosity value over fuller bottlings.

"Ohishi Brandy Cask is pretty good rice whisky with a solid base but held back by insufficient complexity." – Whiskey Reviewer

A solid entry for those exploring rice whiskies, offering sweetness and potential amid its lighter frame.

Sources

[1] Whiskeyreviewer – "Ohishi Brandy Cask Finish Japanese Whisky Review"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Whisky Review Roundup: Ohishi Brandy Cask/Fukano 12 Year Old"