Mars Shinshu distillery is located near Mt. Komagatake and is at the top peak of the Kiso mountain range of the Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture at around 800m above sea level. Pure mineral water from the mountain is used for whisky making and the distillery is surrounded by beautiful clean air. Short hot summers encourage maturation, and long cold winter gives whisky slow and gentle maturation as well as a break. Selected single malt are blended to create this 2021 edition. Very limited bottling. Whisky aged mainly in Bourbon and Sherry casks makes up the expression of this whisky. Ripe fruits note such as quince, apricot, and banana, and vanilla on the nose. The palate shows the sweetness of honey, melon, and ripe persimmon fruits, also the hazelnut character from Sherry cask. Smooth and elegant finish.

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.

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.

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.

The Hibiki 17 Years Old whisky is a meticulous blend of over thirty of the finest single malts from Suntory's two distilleries, Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain whisky from their Chita distillery, most with an age of well over 17 years.Created in 1989, Suntory artisans perfect this harmonious blend to create a full symphony of delicate flavours and blossoming aromas. The design of the bottle symbolises the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar.In 2018, Suntory Whisky announced the Hibiki 17 Years Old would be discontinued making this scarce bottle a rare collector's item of enchanting value. (No box).

Suntory Whisky was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii. For over three generations, Suntory's master blenders have devoted themselves to pursuing the harmony of Japanese nature and craftsmanship. Shaped through masterful technique and served with a reverence for Japanese omotenashi, Suntory whiskies are among the most awarded and admired in the world. Hibiki is the paragon of harmony - launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntory's philosophy of living in harmony with people and nature. Hibiki Japanese Harmony was crafted by the Suntory Whisky blending team, led by Master Blender Shingo Torii. A vibrant amber colour with a complex and elegant expression, notes of honey and orange on the palate and a subtle yet tender finish with a hint of Mizunara (Japanese Oak). The Finer Details Style - Japanese Whisky Country - Japan Bottle Size - 700ml ABV - 43%

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.

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.

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.

Nicks import pricing. Elsewhere pay $190. Fuyu means "Winter" in Japanese. This three year old blend is a run of around 6000 bottles made from 50% malt and 50% corn plus a little wheat from Honshu island. Initially aged in American oak barrels, before bottling it was transferred into Mizunara casks for six months, adding those elusive characteristics that makes this wood prized (and expensive). Suntory began to experiment with Japanese Oak ( Quercus mongolica ) after the Second World War when supplies of foreign oak were difficult to source. It made a far from ideal vessel: Mizunara's loose grains tended to cause leakage, and also created challenges in terms of timber selection and cooperage. Blenders at the time had few kind words to say about the wood. It's scarcer than European and American oak, notoriously expensive, and to top it off, the trees are harvested at around 200 years old (compared to around 75 for American/European oak). For drinkers, the obvious question is "Does Mizunara oak give a distinctive flavour to whisky?" The consensus is that it tends to offer a more definite coconut aroma. Other sources suggest the wood contributes attractive sandalwood notes. According to the producers, in this bottling, expect notes of coconut, caramel, smoke, and cooked fruit. 45% Alc./Vol.