Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky (First Release )
Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky embodies Kanosuke Distillery’s concept of "mellow land, mellow whisky. It was produced using all 3 of their pot stills, aged in several varieties of oak barrels, and blended together after 3 years of maturation. It was as produced at Kanosuke Distillery between 2017-18 and is their first single malt Japanese whisky. Made with unpeated malt, it is bottled at cask strength from a blend of barrels, with re-charred American white oak ex-“Mellowed Kozuru” aged shochu casks as key.
Nikka Yoichi + Nikka Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Wood Finish Single Malt Japanese Whisky (2 Set)
In 1918, a young Japanese man with an ambition to make genuine whisky went alone to Scotland to unveil the secret of whisky making. He is Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky. Given the chance to go to Scotland, Masataka became the first Japanese ever to master how to make whisky. Given the chance to go to Scotland, Masataka became the first Japanese ever to master how to make whisky. He enrolled at the University of Glasgow, took chemistry courses and then apprenticed at three Scotch distilleries. In 1920 Masataka returned to Japan with his Scottish wife Jessie Roberta (Rita). The two had married earlier that year and Rita decided to immigrate to Japan to support her husband’s dream. However after returning to Japan, Masataka and Rita were heartbroken to find out that Settsu Shuzo, the company which invested in Masataka to learn in Scotland, had to abandon its plan to produce genuine whisky in Japan due to recessions after World War I. In the meantime another company, Kotobukiya Limited (Suntory), was in search for someone who could conduct whisky production. Being the only Japanese who knew how to produce whisky at that time, Masataka was hired by Kotobukiya in 1923 to direct building the Yamazaki Distillery. There he led the project and devoted himself to producing Japan’s first genuine whisky. These limited edition 2 bottle set of the Yoichi and Miyagiko has been finished in Nikka’s apple brandy casks and bottled in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Masataka and Rita’s marriage in 1920. At the foundation in 1934, apple products helped Nikka to keep the business sustainable while the first whiskies were maturing, just like Rita supported Masataka’s dream. Both of these whiskies have the delicate aroma of apples, with the expression showcasing a beautiful harmony of finesse and sweetness brought by apple brandy casks. The Yoichi single malt’s original characteristics appear such as rich malt flavors, gentle peaty notes and smokiness and the Miyagikyo single malt’s has its original characteristics such as distinctive hints of Sherry and spiciness like cinnamon.
Hakushu 12 Year Old Whisky
The Hakushu Distillery is know as the 'Mountain Forest Distillery' as it stands amidst fresh streams and lush forests. Built with the notion, 'Coexisting with nature', a bird sanctuary was set up to help preserve the natural environment, thus preserving the pristine water that goes into creating the whisky. The 12 year old single malt whisky has a crisp and vibrant taste and can be enjoyed on neat, on the rocks or with ice and soda water.
Yamazaki Story Of The Distillery Single Malt Japanese Whisky ( Release)
Product Information: The Yamazaki Story of the Distillery 2024 Edition celebrates a century of Suntory's craftsmanship and looks ahead to the next 100 years. This unique non-vintage malt whisky distinguishes itself from the classic single malt with a complex blend of malt spirits aged in Mizunara and Spanish oak barrels. Its rich, reddish amber hue alludes to the intricate flavours and richness, promising an extraordinary sensory experience. The 2024 release is immediately captivating with rich sweetness of dried persimmons and a bouquet of spices, including cloves. The palate is mellow and nuanced, layered with orange marmalade and the gentle earthy sweetness of red beans. Smouldering spices and zesty orange peel add to the allure. Maker: The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery founded in 1923 by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii. Yamazaki is not only the soul place of Suntory Whisky but the birthplace of Japanese Whisky. Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, it is said that Torii selected the land of Yamazaki at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for its high-quality water source and natural environment ideal for whisky making. Yamazaki was born from the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas, Yamazaki whiskies are complex and deep. Made at Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. The House of Suntory honours the birthplace of Japanese whisky, capturing and celebrating the pioneering roots of one of the world’s greatest whiskies from the place Shinjiro Torii chose to begin the illustrious journey of Japanese whisky. Fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has returned to the roots of what made Yamazaki Single Malt quintessentially Yamazaki: deep, complex and multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara notes. Yamazaki Whisky is Suntory's flagship single malt whisky, from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery, multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas. From Yamazaki was born the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Spiritual and deep, made at Yamazaki Distillery, the soul place of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. Today, Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Whisky is not only the No.1 single malt whisky in Japan, but is enjoyed in more than 35 countries. Between 2014 - 2017, the annual Yamazaki Limited Editions were some of the most sough after annual release from Japan. These whiskies were limited in numbers and contained some of the best Yamazaki liquid. Once they realised there were shortages they took these released to the wayside, making room for other non-age statement whiskies such as Essence of Suntory Volumes 3 and 4 and the recent Yamazaki Cask Finish releases. The Distillery: About 95% of the barley for Japanese whisky is imported from Scotland, where it’s malted by Scottish maltsters. Yamazaki uses a mix of malted barleys, mostly non- and lightly-peated, unlike Scotch distillers who trade whisky for different styles. Instead, Yamazaki employs various methods for blending. The wort is fermented in modern stainless-steel and traditional Douglas Fir washbacks. Yamazaki uses two types of yeast: distiller’s yeast for a clean, estery wash and ale yeast for fruity, creamy notes. A long, up to three-day fermentation contributes to fruity and grassy notes, unlike shorter fermentations which produce oily, nutty flavours. Yamazaki’s still house features six pairs of copper pot stills of different shapes. Straight-sided stills give a fuller, creamier spirit, while rounded ones produce a lighter spirit. The first distillation is direct-fired, adding a toasted character, while the second uses indirect steam heating, yielding a lighter spirit. Some stills are imported from Scotland, others made locally. Both worms and condensers are used, with the twice-distilled spirit at 65-70% abv being diluted to 60-63% before aging. Yamazaki uses five types of oak casks in various shapes and sizes, including bourbon barrels, hogsheads, and Suntory’s original puncheons. Casks are made from North American white oak, Spanish oak, and Japanese Mizunara oak. White oak imparts vanilla and coconut flavors, Spanish oak adds fruity and chocolate notes, and Mizunara provides a distinct eastern character with sweet incense and citrus notes. The casks vary in size and degree of char, and maturation time. Yamazaki warehouses hold only 15% of the whisky; the rest is aged at the Omi Aging Cellar. Earthquake-resistant concrete warehouses stack barrels four high. Like their Scottish counterparts, Japanese Whisky is aged in pot stills but benefits from Japan’s warmer climate, which enhances oak flavour extraction. This, combined with Japanese oak, gives Yamazaki whisky its truly unique character. The blenders at Yamazaki, who taste 200-300 samples daily, ensure each vatting is harmonised for six months before bottling, with no caramel used for colouring—only the oak’s influence determines the whisky’s hue. Nose - Dried Persimmon, Honey, Incense Opens with dried persimmon, rich honeyed sweetness, with flourishes of warming incense and clove spices. Palate - Orange Peel, Smoke, Smouldering Spices The flavour is mellow and intricate, presenting the mature sweetness of orange marmalade and the gentle sweetness of red beans. The complex interplay of smokiness and spice adds to the allure. Finish - Sandalwood, Light Resin, Vanilla The aftertaste is long and beautiful, with a lingering blend of smokiness and spice that leaves a lasting impression.
Hakushu Story Of The Distillery Single Malt Japanese Whisky ( Release)
Product Information: The Hakushu Story of the Distillery 2024 Edition is a very limited release. Made of a meticulously selected blend of Hakushu malt whisky, aged in bourbon barrels imparting a delightful vanilla-like sweetness to the whisky, complementing the naturally refreshing and slightly smoky character of Hakushu malt. The result is a sublime balance of flavours that is as elegant, as it is moreish. This bright amber-hued expression has a typical, creamy Hakushu texture and a mild, sweet smokiness. It emits aromas of roasted green tea, scents of Spring, gentle vanilla and building smoke. A whisky that is truly grown in the forest. Maker: Suntory's younger sibiling, Hakushu distillery is a bit of a hidden gem. Established in 1973 in the town of Hokuto, in the Yamanashi Prefecture, Chūbu region. It's higher elevation at 700 meters above sea level (Scotland's highest distilleries are Dalwhinnie and Braeval, both about 355 meters.) and water source are said to be the key features that distinguish Hakushu, in addition to working with both un-peated and peated malt (sourced from Scotland) at roughly 25ppm, compared to its big sister, Yamazaki, who uses up to 40ppm. The Hakushu Distillery was founded half a century after Yamazaki. Keizo Saji, the Yamazaki's second Master Blender, inherited his father’s quest to push the boundaries of what a Japanese whisky could be. His epic quest to find pristine water that would produce the most delicately aromatic whisky led him to the heart of rugged mountains and hidden river sources, where he discovered a site worth of the the distillery. Today, Hakushu Distillery is one of the highest distilleries in the world, built amidst the deepest forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. The majestic forest that surrounds the Hakushu Distillery shelters an abundance of plant varieties reflecting the many expressions of Japanese nature. The malt whiskies born here are simultaneously blessed with a very particular microclimate, verdant forests, and water offering a rare softness only made possible by filtration of rain and snow through thousand-year-old granite rocks. Philosophy: Grown in the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a "green and crisp" whisky. Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master blender, the unique taste made in distinct four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. The Hakushu range of whiskies, with their crisp and vibrant feel, each one unique in a single malt whisky, will enliven your palate and liberate your senses. Maturation typically takes place in American oak - both ex-bourbon (180L) and reconstructed hogsheads (230L) - however European oak is also known to be used. Nose - Pineapple, Vanilla, Green Tea Captivating aromas of pineapple, vanilla cream, enriched by the earthy depths of roasted green tea. Palate - Light, Subtle Wasanbon, Moreish Bitters Delicate with a soft sweetness of wasanbon (a fine Japanese sugar) and a gentle herbal bitterness. A unique play on balance. Finish - Smoky Embers, Dried Fruits, Oak Spices The aftertaste is smoky with ember-like smoke, followed by a lingering bitter aftertaste, making each sip a memorable experience.
Nikka Gold & Gold Knight Ornament Blended Japanese Whisky
Nikka Gold & Gold Knight Ornament Blended Japanese Whisky Japanese Whisky is a special edition bottle. Comes with a removable metallic helmet on the top of the bottle. This version is called “Shirobin” (White Bottle), though the label is all black. The design of the label is as it was back in the 1970’s when Nikka first launched its Gold & Gold expression. This bottle that doesn’t leave you indifferent. Love it or hate it, the Japanese always have something new and different up their kimono sleeve.
Hibiki Blossom Harmony Limited Edition
In Japanese, everything finds its place, this release cherish the nature, culture and mindset of Japan coming together to the un-paralleled end piece that is Hibiki. Born in 1989, Hibiki is created with Passion for quality & innovation. Achieve harmonious co-existence with the world and nature. Treasure inherited whiskies & thriving to make new flavours which will blossom in the next generation. Whiskies that are a reflection of each artisans gift for the future.
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Whisky
Leading Japanese Whisky with aromas of dried fruit and honey. It has a delicate, mellow taste with a lingering woody dry finish. For Scotch drinkers looking for something different.
Kirin Fuji 50th Anniversary Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Product Description: This complex and multi-layered blend which is made from whisky aged between 10 and 50 years old. Only 3,000 bottles were released worldwide. Whisky Hall of Famer, Master Blender Jota Tanaka, has taken whisky from 1973, the distillery’s debut year, and selected the very best whisky from the following four decades to create a special limited edition release, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the distillery. A combination of ex-Bourbon, beer-aged, Oloroso Sherry, and red wine casks have been chosen for this blend to create a deliciously complex, multi-layered whisky. Non-chill filtered, all natural colour and coming in at 52% ABV, this liquid celebration of craftsmanship and finesse overflows with caramel, brown sugar syrup, apricot, melon, white peach tart, luscious barrel-aged flavours and lingering complexity with every sip. Maker: Mt. Fuji has been a sacred and inspirational landmark in Japan for countless generations. Throughout Japan's history, Mt. Fuji has been a symbol of faith and a wellspring of artistic inspiration. Mt. Fuji has long inspired art and reverence around the world and is home to Fuji Whisky. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Fuji-Gotemba Distillery has been pursuing the ideal whisky for many years. The beautiful experience created by JAPANESE WHISKY FUJI brings joy to life and sparks unforgettable moments of inspiration. Fuji Whisky embodies the captivating Mt. Fuji's natural beauty and the enduring tradition of craftsmanship. It's a fusion of these elements that creates a sense of "hope." The natural environment around Mt. Fuji is blessed with lush forests, crystal clear water, and pure air. FUJI whiskies are delicately fruity and mellow, and have been nurtured over time in this environment, with its unique climate and terroir. Mt. Fuji Distillery is nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji, 620 meters (2,035 feet) above sea level and 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from its peak. Since this is a misty area, Mt. Fuji can only be seen about 1/3 of the year, despite being at such a close distance. The high humidity maintained by a year-round blanket of fog, a cool highland climate with a yearly average temperature of 13℃ (55℉), and air purified by the forests at the foot of the majestic mountain has been combining to form its climate and terroir around the distillery. This natural environment, the cool highland climate with moderate temperature changes and high humidity, is ideal for making whisky. Because of this climate and terroir, the whisk(e)y produced at Mt. Fuji Distillery is mellow, and delicately fruity on the palate. Since 1973, Fuji-Gotemba distillery has pioneered and created, combining whisky-making techniques from three countries into one distillery. The renowned Fuji brand, emblem of the distinctiveness of Fuji-Gotemba distillery, has given rise to three unique styles: Single grain, Single Malt, and Single Blended. Philosophy: Fuji Gotemba Distillery is no ordinary distillery, as it uniquely features multiple still types to produce four different types of whisk(e)y. There are pot stills for Scotch-style malt, and a range of column stills to make grain whiskies in the Bourbon, Canadian and Scotch styles. By integrating these with Kirin's brewing technology and expertise, Fuji Gotemba Distillery creates whiskies that are neither Scotch nor Bourbon, but rather a whisk(e)y to fit the culture and tastes of the people of Japan and lovers of Japanese whisky from around the world. Covering 520,000 square metres, Fuji Gotemba Distillery is the world's largest distillery. It features separate still rooms for the malt and grain stills and its own cooperage and bottling plant. Its unique setup allows it to produce single malts and single grains on site and the world's first-ever Single Blended Whisky. Water plays a vital role in high-quality whisky production. All the water used, of course, comes from Mt. Fuji, having fallen as snow before spending more than 50 years to reach the aquifer that runs 100m deep underground. The water, the climate, and the terroir result in a mellow and delicately fruity range of whiskies, every aspect of which is overseen by Master Blender Jota Tanaka. Tasting: Nose - Caramel, Melon, Apricots Sweet and fragrant aroma of caramel and brown sugar syrup with notes of apricot and melon. Palate - Smooth, White Peach, Dried Pineapple Mellow and smooth mouthfeel, sweet and aromatic with hints of dried pineapple and white peach tart. Finish - Lingering Complexity, Luscious, Woody Spice A spreading and lingering complex, luscious barrel-aged flavours with a pleasant sweetness.
Nikka Gold & Gold Golden Knight Ornament Blended Japanese Whisky
Nikka Gold & Gold Knight Ornament Blended Japanese Whisky Japanese Whisky is a special edition bottle. Comes with a removable metallic helmet on the top of the bottle. This version is called “Shirobin” (White Bottle), though the label is all black. The design of the label is as it was back in the 1970’s when Nikka first launched its Gold & Gold expression. This bottle that doesn’t leave you indifferent. Love it or hate it, the Japanese always have something new and different up their kimono sleeve.