Wabijin Whisky Cask Finish 2021

Japanese GIN WABIGIN Whisky Cask Finish 2021 was released for the 2021 Mars Tsunuki Distillery festival. Hombo Shuzo describes it as a limited gin made by finishing and blending WABIGIN in casks previously used to mature whisky. The 495 ml bottle carries 58% ABV; Hombo Shuzo lists the release as discontinued.

Citrus · Woody · Limited Edition

The underlying gin uses Kagoshima botanicals. The recipe includes juniper, kumquat, yuzu, green tea, lemon, Hetsuka daidai, kesen, shell ginger, shiso and ginger. Citrus and leafy aromatics therefore remain part of the gin beneath the cask influence. The whisky cask brings measured oak warmth beneath the tea, citrus and leafy botanicals, giving the finish more structure than the unaged WABIGIN.

At 58%, the first sip is best approached in a small measure or with gradual dilutionDilutionThe water added by melting ice. In the right amount it opens the aromas and softens the alcohol; too much flattens the drink.Glossary. Juniper and citrus give the aroma a bright beginning, followed by green tea and the more savoury notes of the regional botanicals. The cask finish adds warmth and a deeper woody impression, while the gin's citrus and herbal character remains present. Hombo suggests drinking it neat, on the rocks, with soda or in cocktails.

For the Perfect ServePerfect serveThe way the producer recommends serving the gin (glass, tonic, ratio, garnish) to show it at its best.Glossary, pour 3 cl of gin over ice in a highballHighballA long drink served in a tall, straight glass with plenty of ice: a spirit topped with soda or tonic. The word also names the glass.Glossary glass, add 8 cl of chilled soda water and stir lightly, then express a thin kumquat peel over the drink. The kumquat connects with the citrus botanicals without obscuring the whisky-cask finish. Taste before adding more soda; the high strength allows the aromas to remain clear even after dilution.

This release belongs to WABIGIN's limited festival bottlings rather than its current core range. Its high strength is part of the experience: a small pour shows the cask character first, while a few drops of water bring the citrus and green-tea notes closer to the foreground.