This is the Winter 2023 edition of Shizuoka United S. It is a mix of both the K- and W-still, matured primarily in ex-bourbon, with just a few wine casks. The mashbill consists of native Japanese barley but also peated and unpeated Scottish barley, as well as some German beer malt. It appears to be similar to the first edition from early 2023, let’s see how it compares.
Shizuoka United S – Winter 2023 (50,5%, OB 2023)
Nose: a very balanced mix of bright fruits (apples and pears, lime, subtle banana) with juniper and mint, silver polish and a hint of sunflower oil. Some white flowers. Then also biscuity notes, a little aniseed and fresh dough.
Mouth: fairly oily. Now the herbal and spicy notes come out more, think fennel seeds, more juniper, white pepper and a hint of nutmeg. Then the fruitiness appears, on lemons (juice + peels) and grapefruits. More sunflower oil. Also these light gin-like elements that I often have in Shizuoka, with light beer notes and a subtle earthiness towards the end.
Finish: quite long, with more lemons, oils and a subtle biscuity edge.
Another fresh, rather mild and carefully layered Shizuoka, with bright fruits and some herbal notes as the key assets. Supposedly young but already worth checking out. I found more typical elements in this edition, making it a little more to my liking than the previous edition. Now in 50 cl bottles apparently, making it more affordable, check Care for Craft Spirits for instance.