In the second of three special podcasts from my trip to Japan, we taste the raw spirit – the stuff you get before it’s aged in barrels – and some stunning 18 year-old Hakushu. Plus, what is a spirit safe?

Hibiki 21 year-old

A Scot drinks whisky, and tells you about it; I’ll taste one malt or blend every episode, but there’s no set schedule for new episodes. This is not an authoritative guide; I’m just someone who has found he loves whisky and who wants to share my favourites and my new discoveries.