In the bottle: The alcohol starts quite out in front on this one, not in a harsh way, but more of a preparation for what is in the bottle; once this opens ups a bit everything changes as the bourbon cask notes really start to surface. There is a nutty sweetness that reminds me a little of these chewy peanut candies from Taiwan, it's a bit hard to place but definitely leaning on the confectionary side of the sweetness, which is counterbalanced nicely by some beautiful oaky flavors that tie everything together.

On the rocks: Almost too smooth, at 41% this is dangerously drinkable; Kozura is rich and full bodied while somehow being fresh and light in the mouth which is a great combination for something you want to enjoy more than one glass. On-the-rocks gives a very similar profile to neat in the glass, you get beautiful waves of oak followed by a soft sweetness that reminds me of cherry vanilla and custard. The finish retains the strong cocoa notes bnly the slight bitterness is replaced by a bit of candied vanilla that lingers just long enough to welcome the next sip. 

Straight: Neat in the glass is absolutely amazing experience; the oak really gives Kozura a whiskey mouthfeel with a perfect amount of warmth that goes down nice and smooth. Aside from that is full of some beautiful vanilla and custard on the front and cocoa on the back which adds balance . The finish gives several waves of mature oak that are carried perfectly by the 41% alcohol     

Paired with dark chocolate: Sadly by the time I got to the last glass, I realized I had no chocolate...