Akashi-Tai Junmai Daiginjo Genshu
One of the finest luxury sakes around,this medium-bodied hand-made artisan sake is produced using fine highly-prized Yamadanishiki rice grown in a district of Hyogo. Polished to the highest leve until only 38% of the grain remains, it is fermented in small batches for two months. The complex nose exhibits nuances of melon, lemon, bitter orange and green grass. The palate is superbly balanced with crystallised notes of tropical fruit and citrus with a thread of subtle umami on a long-lasting finish.
Kanoshizuku Distilled Gin
A uniquely crafted artisan gin from the Yomeishu distillery combines 11 botanicals dominated by Kuromoji or Lindera umbellata, an aromatic tree native to Japan. The gin combines two spirits, one distilled with the fresh fragrant Kuromoji and the other with the final ten botanicals, including the obligatory juniper. The final result is a complex gin that is elegant and fresh as a green forest with the scent of Kuromoji and characters of citrus, juniper and spice. Drink it on the rocks or as a base for a martini.
Kurayoshi The San-in Blended Japanese Whisky
The Shin Serene Blended Japanese Whisky
Eigashima Shin Serene whisky is named after Mr. Hiraishi, the eighth generation of Eigashima Shuzo. Mild and soft as the fascination towards Seto Inland Sea, light and smooth on the palate, just exactly the same as Mr. Hiraishi’s natural disposition in gentleness.Based on the unique centuries-old whisky blending skills and the tradition of sake brewery of Eigashima, Shin Serene whisky is carefully made by Toji, also the chief executive of Eigashima sake brewery. As a blend of whisky aged 3 years in a combination of sherry, bourbon, and Japanese shochu barrels, the fusion is well balanced and sublimated to a new level.
Nikka Coffey Grain Japanese Whisky
The Coffey Still is the worlds first patented continuous still invented by Mr. Aeneas Coffey in 1830. Masataka Taketsuru valued the feature of this type of still, which retains the flavours of ingredients and also creates a distinctive texture. Complex, sweet and mellow flavours in Nikka Coffey invites you back to beauties of grain whisky.
Fukuju Junmai Ginjo
Fermented at very low temperatures, this is a beautifully balanced sake with aromas of Apricots and steamed rice. Great with griled pork or ocean trout and mash potato
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.
Yamazakura Black Label Japanese Fine Blended Whisky
Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. Ltd was founded in 1765 and started producing whisky in 1946. The Yamazakura is a ji-whisky made by Sasanokawa Shuzo Co.This particular Black Label bottle is a new Yamazakura product that was released in 2015. Smooth after taste is refreshing with a hint of sweetness. Enjoyable both on the rocks or neat.
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!