Review #976-979; Rums #316-319: Amgai 9yr Old K&L Single Casks

Amagi 9 year old Kokuto Sugar Japanese Rums “K&L Exclusive”

Here we have something fun and different, a collection of 4 casks of rum bottled under the Amagi name. These 4 casks of rum were distilled at the Shinozaki Distillery in Asakura, Fukoka which was established in 1922 and has been distilled spirits and shochu in Japan. The cane for this rum comes from Kokjuto sugar sourced from the now defunct organic cane coop in Amagi, Fukuoka. The rum fermented for 15 days with a Kagoshima yeast. This run of rums was distilled from a single pot still in June of 2012. They were put into Virgin American White Oak and left to age for 9 years. Bottled at cask strength let’s see how these rums are.

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Amagi 9yr cask #3762

ABV: 64.4%

Nose: Toasted Brown Sugar, Caramel, Espresso

Palate: Medium mouthfeel, Toasted caramel, Brown Sugar, Dark Chocolate, Espresso

Finish: Long finsh, dry, tannins, Dark chocolate, Black Pepper

Rating: 5/10

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Amagi 9yr cask #3752

ABV: 62.1%

Nose: Caramel, Orange Peel, Dark Chocolate, Black Tea

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Dark Chocolate, Allspice, Black Pepper, Espresso, Vanilla

Finish: Medium length finish, pop of oak spice, black pepper, black tea, espresso

Rating: 7/10

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Amagi 9yr cask #3096

ABV: 64.2%

Nose: Burnt Caramel, Coconut, Black Tea, faint raspberry

Palate: Medium mouthfeel, Raspberry, dark chocolate, burnt caramel

Finish: Medium length finish, Dark Chocolate, Raspberry, Burnt Caramel, Cardamom

Rating: 6/10

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Amagi 9yr cask #3098

ABV: 64.6%

Nose: Black Tea, Dark Chocolate, Burnt Caramel

Palate: Medium mouthfeel, Dark Chocolate, Black Tea, Burnt Caramel

Finish: Long Finish, oak spice, Burnt Caramel, Black Tea, Dark Chocolate

Rating: 5/10

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Overall, I come away a bit confused on these. These heavy savory notes dominate throughout with just the faintest hint of vanilla and the occasional fruit to pop in and give relief. On top of that I feel as though the New American Oak just dominated everything in cask. Cask #3752 was the only real winner of the bunch providing some nuance and depth even with the oak. However, the other 3 casks just feel like they spent far too long in such an aggressive barrel.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect