Aged in bourbon, sherry and American White Oak new casks, "Cosmo" blended malt whisky is named after a mountain in the Japan Central Alps close to the Mars Whisky Distillery.

While most other Japanese distilleries have followed the methods of Scotland, Mt. Fuji Distillery is influenced by major whisk(e)y producers all around the world, which explains this tri-part blend distilled using three different methods, each giving their own unique flavour profile. Although the exact mash-bill isn't stated, the backbone of the spirit is reported to be a 'Canadian style' grain, made with a batch distillation in something similar to a kettle still. That's supported by a Bourbon-style distillate using a Doubler, and a third Scotch-style light grain put through a continuous multi-column still. The triptych of profiles comes through in the flavours. Fuji smells a little more malt-like than typical single grain with creamy soda and vanilla malt enhanced by delicate fruity notes like stewed pears and caramelised apples. It's also fuller, richer and with more mouthfeel than you'd anticipate. There are the standard lashings of vanilla wafer but they sit over a backdrop of poached orchard fruits and warming wood spices, followed by more creamy soda, hints of dried banana and a lovely flourish of American oak which gives a Bourbonesque or light rye character to the finish. This release was initially for bars only, but from early 2021 it became available for regular tipplers in Japan and then abroad. A good thing. It's a single grain with terrific mouthfeel, and one that deserves a wide audience. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Notes from the producers... NOSE Aromas of poached pear, rustic fruit tart, Cognac and marron glacé. PALATE Seamless mouthfeel with multi layered flavours of poached pear, orange marmalade, raspberry jam, baking spices, and bitter chocolate. FINISH Mellow with gentle sweetness and pleasant spiciness, smooth with medium length finish and a hint of exotic incense.

Ichiro Akuto's most voluminous and accessible Whisky is, as it says on the label, a blend of Malt and Grain Whiskies. While the exact source of the material is not published, it's known it's a blend of Japanese distilled material vatted with Whiskies sourced from around the world. In addition to whisky from his own stocks--including, potentially, Hanyu and Karuizawa, as well as his own Chichibu--the blend contains spirits from Canada, the United States, Ireland and Scotland. The imported Whiskeys are 3-5-years-old, aged in their country of origin before being carefully blended with local Japanese material and matured a further 1-3 years at Chichibu. The Whisky is vatted in 2 x 5,000-litre wooden barrels built by French cooper Taransaud. Non-chill filtered, non-coloured, Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky is a pure example of Akuto's whisky making expertise.

Tasting note: Matured in a Bourbon cask. Amber gold. Opens a little shy, but develops with a spicy fruity interplay (dried fruits, plums, apricots?) perhaps a touch of grapefruit, then more nutty and sweet-spicy. All very subtle. Silky and mellow beyond its age statement. A deft burst of spice seals the finish. Possibly less fruity than the 3 year old but with a plusher texture. Quite lovely malt. 43% Alc./Vol.

This is an elegant representation of Nishinomiya Sake at its finest. This sake has aromatic beginning and smooth finish full of finesse.

Fuji Gotemba has won numerous awards including Japanese Whisky of the Year, World's Best Grain Whisky and numerous Gold Medals. As it celebrates its 50th anniversary it's finally expanding into export markets and launching new products. For this release, Fuji have employed ex-Bourbon, French oak red wine barriques and beer casks. The combination adds Master Blender, Jota Tanaka's signature stamp of layered complexity. 46% Alc./Vol. Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2023.

Matsui Sakura Cask Single Malt Japanese Whisky is single malt whisky distilled in the rich, natural environment of Tottori and aged in cherry wood casks. Combined with the malt aroma and bitter flavour of unblended whisky, a faint, sweet, crisp smell of cherry blossom spreads throughout the mouth. This masterpiece, carefully crafted with heart and passion, is brought to proof with high-quality natural spring water from Mt. Daisen.

Kirin Fuji Single Grain Japanese Whisky is a beautiful single grain whisky from the Fuji Gotemba distillery. They are one of Japan's most popular producers or grain whiskies. 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. Water plays a vital role in high-quality whisky production. With excellent and abundant water being essential, we call its water “mother water,” meaning it is a blessing from Mother Earth. This excellent water source is one of the main reasons why Mt. Fuji Distillery was built at its location. The “mother water” is drawn from the aquifer that runs 100 meters (328 feet) deep underground, where snow and rain that falls on Mt. Fuji is filtered and polished for 50+ years to reach the aquifer. Because of this climate and terroir, the whisk(e)y produced at Mt. Fuji Distillery is mellow, and delicately fruity on the palate. Master Blender Jota Tanaka. formerly of Four Roses Distillery, in fact the Barrels used at Fuji Gotemba are purchased from the same cooperage and the ex-bourbon barrels used for ageing some of the distilleries whiskies are from Four Roses as well. 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 flavour profiles similar to Scotch, American and Canadian style whiskies. The whiskies used in this blend are between 7 and 16 years old. Unlike most other distilleries the entire production process process from mashing to bottling happens at the Fuji distillery. The nose is of ripe peach, apricot, orange liqueur, delicately fruity with a hint of honey and oatmeal cookies. On the palate the flavours are of delicate yet vivid fruits, pear, apple, apricot and white grapes the finish is delicately sweet and fruity with a rich aftertaste and long silky finish.

Made from the blending of malts from the two distilleries of Yoichi and Miyagikyo, this whisky was the pride and joy of its creator Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka and the father of Japanese Whisky. Light golden honey in colour with candied nuts, walnuts and hazelnuts on the nose as well as delicate and gentle smoke coming through with hay. Forward and straight pallet with juicy mouth feel, yet retaining a very gentle and sophisticated heat. Sweet apricots and peach dominate at first, leading to vanilla and subtle hints of ripe grape. Complex and long on the finish with lingering taste of dry herbs, leather and sweet pastry.