Yamazakura Fine Blended Whisky
Yamazakura Fine Blended Whisky 40% 700mlDistillery: Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. Asaka Distillery ABV: 40% Tasting notes:Orange blossoms on the nose, followed by oak, caramel, and fresh orchard fruit on the palate. Bringing serene balance and depth, this is a bottle from Japans new generation distilleries.Yamazakura - Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. chose the name Yamazakura to launch the distillerys premium whisky range because it is a combination of two important Japanese symbols in culture and society: Yama is the Japanese term for mountain, signifying the strength and poise of the spirit, while Sakura refers to cherry-trees, to relate the ephemeral beauty of the stunning blossom to the quality and sophistication of the whisky.About the Distillery:Sasanokawa Shuzos sake and shochu making dates back all the way to 1710. However, almost 200 years later, they decided to dive into the whisky making market in 1946 thus setting up Asaka Distillery. Their quality was able to stand toe to toe with large rivals like Nikka and Suntory in the northeast region of Japan. Most importantly, Sasanokawa Shuzo were also the ones who famously helped Ichiro Akuto (Ichiros Malt / Hanyu Distillery) save his whisky stocks and allowing him to build the Ichiros Malt brand. The distillerys mash tun and 5 washbacks are all stainless steel. Unlike other Japanese whisky distilleries using imported Forsyths stills, Asaka went with two copper pot stills made right here in Japan by Miyake Seisakusho. The wash still is 2000L, and spirit still 1000L, both using percolators for heating. The whisky is mostly non-peated and will be rested in primarily bourbon casks but also some sherry and wine casks.It's worth noting that the Chichibu Distillery and the Asaka Distillery have a relationship. Ichiro Akuto-san asked Sasanokawa Shuzo to store the leftover casks of the defunct Hanyu Distillery until he could get Chichibu up and running. So basically, Chichibu owes Asaka a favor! Ichiro Akuto-san brought back most of the casks and released his now highly sought after first release, the Ichiros Malt Series (otherwise known as the card series!). In fact, the Sasakanokawa Shuzo facility still has Hanyu casks in storage!
135 East Hyogo Dry Japanese Gin
135° EAST Hyogo Dry Gin is the result of the perfect balance between a London Dry style gin and the floral, citrus and spice touch of Japanese botanicals.A true Japanese spirit, with its blends of cedar, shiso leaf, chrysanthemum and most importantly of yuzu and sansho pepper combined with distilled sake spirit. A great gin, with traditional dry style botanicals such as juniper, coriander and angelica.135° EAST is named after the Akashi Meridian at 135 degrees east longitude which runs past our distillery in Akashi City. This gin marks the centenary of the start of the Yonezawa familys history in distilling fine Japanese craft spirits.
White Oak - Akashi Akashi TOJI Malt / Grain Japanese Whisky
Akashi whisky is the only whisky in the world that is made by a Toji (grand-master in the art of sake making) by implementing sake-making methodologies into the whisky making process. The distil pot used is smaller than those used by both Scottish and other Japanese distilleries, which in turn, decreases the levels of fusel alcohol. As a result, Akashi whisky does not require as long of an ageing process, while its core malt (cask strength) is smooth and delicate.
Tokinoka Japanese Whisky
Japanese whisky is not only Suntory or Nikka, there are many other less known distilleries whose reputation continues to grow. And for this new tasting, They choose a blended malt, the White Oak Tokinoka blended malt. The White Oak distillery, located in the city of Akashi (Hyogo Prefecture), was the first to obtain a license for distilling whisky in 1919. Built in 1888 for the production of sake and shochu, at the beginning the distillery produced only blend whisky in a traditional way and specially reserved for the domestic market. Then the site was modified in 1984 to start producing whisky in bigger quantities. The Eigashima Shuzo Company owner of the distillery, produced since 2007 several single malts named Akashi.
Fuji Single Grain Whiskey
Fuji whiskey was born out of a joint venture in 1972 between Kirin Brewery, Chivas brothers and Seagram and Sons to identify the optimal site for a new whisky distillery in Japan. The water in this whisky comes from snowmelt run-off from Mount Fuji, which takes about 50 years to cycle. A proprietary yeast is used for fermenting the various grains over a 72 hour fermentation period. Three distillation formats are employed: column (lighter style), batch kettle (medium style) and pot still (heavy style). The whiskey is aged in medium to high char ex bourbon barrels, refill and virgin oak. It is non–chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.
Fuji Single Blended Whisky
Mt. Fuji Distillery was established and commissioned in 1973, while most other Japanese distilleries followed the whisky product ion method of Scotland, Fuji took influence from major whisk(e)y countries all around the world. The Distillery has a unique location being situated 2034ft above sea level, temperature and altitude play a significant role in the final product showcasing unique flavours of a single grain whiskey. Fuji distillery uses highly purified water direct from Mt. Fuji that is used across the entire production process. It is said to be a 50 year process from Mountain to Distillery going through natural purification along the way resulting in crystal clear, pure and clean water. FUJI SINGLE BLENDED WHISKY Fuji Single Blended is the embodiment of Fuji Gotemba's commitment to creating unique Whisky. Single Blended is a blend of malt and three different types of grain whisky produced at the one site; Fuji Gotemba. Master Blender, Jota Tanaka uses a combination corn, rye and malted barley distilled across doubler, column, kettle and pot stills. This creates flavor profiles similar to Scotch, American and Canadian style whiskies. Unlike most other distilleries the entire production process from massing to bottling happens at Fuji's distillery.
Tatsuriki Tokubetsu Junmaishu Dragon Red
This is a sake that shows its true value when warmed up. It is a dry junmai sake that was born from this concept and has a thick and deep taste from Yamadanishiki rice. Goes well with Japanese dishes using dashi stock such as oden, hot pot, grilled fish and cheese dishes.
Choya Extra Year
Using 100% Japanese premium plum fruits called Nankobai from Kishu, Wakayama, this is a premium Umeshu with the taste of richness, depth & elegance. Also the color is more golden & amber. As a aperitif or a desert, you can always enjoy CHOYA Extra Years with over ice.
Tengumai Umajun Junmai
Meaning delicious, Umajun has complex aromas of vanilla and crushed nuts, a warming, creamy texture and citrus crispness on the finish.
Houraisen Bi Junmai Daiginjo
Meaning beauty in japanese, Bi is one of Houraisen's flagship sake's. It is a very elegant style of the highest grade of sake, Junmai Daiginjo. Tank matured for 10 months at 10 degrees in order to have a rounder and more mellow character, it has a nose that indicates sweet fruits with the palate showing good balance between the gentle acidity and the sweet fruit flavours.