Native to Japan, Mizunara Oak is incredibly rare and difficult to work with, but this only adds to its allure. Whiskies aged in Mizunara Oak fetch incredible prices, and don’t last long on shelves.
The oak imparts a unique flavour profile to the whisky, with notes of sandalwood, coconut, and incense. The wood also contributes subtle nuances of honey, spice, and vanilla, making the whisky incredibly smooth and complex. The wood also contributes a unique texture and a hint of astringency.
Mizunara Oak, or Quercus mongolica var. crispula, is a rare species of oak tree that is native to Japan. It has been used for centuries by the Japanese to make barrels for aging sake and now whisky. The wood is known for its unique characteristics, such as its tight grain, which creates a distinct flavor and aroma in the whisky or sake that is aged in it. The wood is also known for its ability to absorb and hold liquid, which helps to mellow out the flavor of the whisky or sake. In recent years, the popularity of Mizunara Oak has grown, as more whisky and sake makers have begun to utilize it in their aging processes.
The reputation of Mizunara Oak has also grown, as it is now seen as a symbol of quality and craftsmanship in Japan‘s whisky and sake making industry.