Kurayoshi Matsui Mizunara Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Matsui Mizunara Cask Single Malt Japanese Whisky single malt whisky distilled in the rich, natural environment of Tottori and aged in Mizunara (Japanese oak)casks. Combined with the bitter flavor of unblended whisky, a faintly sweet, aged aroma tickles the nose with a smooth yet rich, lingering aftertaste. This masterpiece, carefully crafted with heart and passion, is brought to proof with high-quality natural spring water from Mt. Daisen.
Mars Distillery Komagatake Limited Edition Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Mars Distillery Komagatake 2019 Limited Edition Single Malt Japanese Whisky has been matured first in ex-Bourbon oak barrels, followed by new Sherry Oak & American oak. The barrels were hand picked from the highest barrels in the distilleries warehouse. This generally means a warmer maturation, resulting in a faster maturation. Allowing the flavours from the barrels to provide plenty of flavour in a short time (3 to 6 years). The nose on this whisky is very clean with aromas of vanilla, citrus, pears, and green apples. First on the palate comes the oak then blended with spices. Followed by a dominated vanilla, melson balls, and lemon meringue pie. The finish is citrus, oak, spice, and orchard fruits.
Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Blended Malt Japanese Whisky
Lots of very warm reviews on the blogoshere for this no-age-statement expression of Nikka which reportedly over-delivers for an entry level whisky. Named after the company's founder, Masataka Taketsuru, and aged on average for around 10 years, it includes whiskies from the Miyagikyo & Yoichi distilleries, including malt matured in Sherry casks.
Nikka Tailored Premium Japanese Whisky
Nikka Tailored Premium Japanese Whisky was release in 2019 as the long-awaited replacement for the Nikka 12 Year Old. This whisky has been exceptionally produced. The nose is lively and fruity with malty aromas of vanilla, caramel, cookies, and biscuits. The palate is sweet but with a firm malt base carried by a gentle sweetness from the Coffey grain. The finish lingers with a spicy bitterness. 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.
The Shinobu 10 Year Old Pure Malt Japanese Whisky
Fresh wood barrel dominates the spirit with a touch of vanilla and flowers that bring to breath of nectar, maltose, tones of fruits citrus, Mizunara oak & coffee beans; medium wood intergration, then finish with a sweet aftertaste of maltose. Very smooth, rounded full pallet and easy to drink.
Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve Whisky
Yamazaki is often referred to as being the pioneer of Japanese Whisky and is Suntory's flagship single malt. This whisky is spiratual and deep, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs around the world. The Distiller's Reserve is mild with fresh fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and Mizunara (Japanese oak). This is a must for any whisky lover.
The Shin 10 Year Old Pure Malt Mizunara Oak Finish Japanese Whisky
Mr. Ken Usami, the master blender at the Shinobu Distillery, selects the selected finest malt whiskies and finish them in casks made of Japanese Oak, Mizunara Wood to create the Shin Malt Whisky range. Shin stands for integrity; one of the core principles of Samurai tradition. The 10 Year Old pure malt has significant sweet aroma of dark dried fruit, like raisin, dates come forward on the nose, and with a touch of vanilla. Sweet vanilla and dark dried fruit followed by sandalwood, and oriental spices. All natural without colouring. Non-chill filtered.
Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt Japanese Whisky
"One for no age statement naysayers... Eloquent & beautiful." - whiskyadvocate.com Back in 2015, Nikka announced they were discontinuing their age statement and No Age Statement (NAS) releases for the Yoichi and Miyagikyo labels and consolidating them into two new bottlings. These whiskies have now arrived in Australia. Two NAS versions that differ slightly to the previous versions now represent the entire portfolio. It was yet another move that triggered a buying rush. Reports have it that Tokyo is now pretty much out of age statement Japanese whiskies, unless you visit bars or auction houses. Nikka's reasons for the radical new strategy are now familiar. They simply have no old stocks to sell. Decades ago, both local and world demand for Japanese malts was low, so few barrels were being laid down for extended periods. Stefan Van Eycken, writing for www.nonjatta.com explains "...there were years, at both Yoichi and Miyagikyo distillery, when the barrels laid down for maturation could be counted on the fingers of one hand. The ‘stock shortage’ is not an excuse or a PR stunt – it’s very real. Sources within Nikka have said that it is ‘likely’ that age-statement single malts will be brought back in 5 or 6 years’ time. No official statement to that effect has been made for the simple reason that doing so – in Japan – would be interpreted as a promise (which could come back to haunt them in 6 years’ time)." The dropping of age statements doesn't always translate into a drop in quality. Early reviews for both releases have been very positive. Evidently, Chief blender Tadashi Sakuma has risen to the challenge of creating a great assemblage from a restricted inventory.
Hakushu Single Malt Whisky
Produced from the pure waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, Hakushu Distillers Reserve is a green and fresh whisky with a crisp and vibrant taste. Now, for the first time ever, this whisky is available outside of Japan.
Hibiki Harmony Whisky
Hibiki, meaning resonance in Japanese, speaks to the soul and emotions of the most discerning whisky lover. Hibiki Harmony has a rich aroma and has a harmonious flavour.