Dragon Flower is as much an object as a bottle. The whisky sits in faceted red glass with a hammered texture panel down one side, an embossed dragon coiling across the front, a heavy medallion stopper and a black and red diamond patterned presentation box. It is built to be given and to be kept. The name refers to the dragon flower, a bloom associated in tradition with love, passion and positive energy, and long exchanged between friends as a guard against bad luck. What is inside is Japanese malt whisky, matured for a minimum of three years and then finished in ex cognac casks, which is where most of its character comes from. A cognac cask finish is a different proposition from a sherry or bourbon one. Cognac casks are French oak that has held grape brandy, so they contribute orchard and stone fruit sweetness and a soft floral perfume rather than the dried fruit and nuttiness of sherry or the vanilla and coconut of ex bourbon wood. That shows clearly here. The nose is distinctly fruity, with fresh apple and tropical fruit over vanilla, and a subtle smokiness running underneath. The palate is soft and creamy, layering honey, toasted walnuts and butter candy with spice, leather, star anise, toffee apples and baked pears, finished with a splash of fresh mint and scattered almonds. It closes long, delicate and complex with a lingering cognac note. At 98 proof it carries real weight without turning hot. Drink it neat and unhurried, and keep the box.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
49% |
| Proof |
98 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Japan |
| Category |
Japanese Malt Whisky |
| Expression |
Doragonfurawā, Dragon Flower |
| Age |
Minimum 3 years |
| Maturation |
Finished in ex cognac casks |
| Bottler |
World Whiskey Society |
| Presentation |
Decorative faceted bottle with gift box |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with a warm copper cast.
Nose: Distinctly fruity, with fresh apple and tropical fruit over vanilla and sweet oak, with dried fruit and a subtle smokiness behind.
Palate: Soft and creamy, carrying honey, toasted walnuts and butter candy alongside spice, leather, star anise, toffee apples and baked pears.
Finish: Long, delicate and complex, closing on fresh mint, scattered almonds and a lingering cognac note.
FAQ
What proof is Dragon Flower? It is bottled at 98 proof, or 49 percent alcohol by volume.
What does a cognac cask finish do? The whisky spends its final maturation in French oak casks that previously held cognac. These contribute orchard and stone fruit sweetness and a soft floral character, distinct from the dried fruit of sherry casks or the vanilla of ex bourbon wood.
Does it contain cognac? No. The cognac influence comes entirely from the wood the whisky rested in. This is whisky, not a blend of whisky and cognac.
How long is it aged? A minimum of three years, with the final period spent in ex cognac casks.
Does it come with a box? Yes. It is supplied in a black and red diamond patterned presentation box, which suits it as a gift and is worth keeping.
Where can I buy Doragonfurawā Dragon Flower Japanese Whisky online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
