Japanese whisky aged in cherry tree wood launched

Yoshino Spirits Co. has launched what it claims is the first whisky to be aged in Japanese cherry tree wood, which will go on sale around the world this month.

Kamiki Sakura Cask Finish is a Japanese whisky finished in sakura wood, which is more commonly known as Japanese cherry tree wood.

The whisky, which will be launched in the UK and then around the world, joins Kamiki and Kamiki Intense, both of which are matured in cedar wood, in the Kamiki portfolio.

Kamiki Sakura Cask Finish is matured in cedar wood before being transferred to casks made from Japanese cherry tree wood for further ageing. Yoshino Spirits Co. is a private company based in Osaka that exports high-end Japanese whiskies, wines and spirits around the world.

Last month Yoshino launched what it claims is the world’s first whisky made with desalinated water from the Pacific Ocean and rested in pine.

Called Umiki after the Japanese word for ocean (umi) and tree (ki), the whisky went on sale in the US and Asia this month then will be rolled out in other global markets in May.