"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.

Dictador 20 year old Rum 700mL is made from the fermentation of virgin sugar cane honey that has been distilled in both copper alembic and steel continuous column to achieve a smooth medium body rum. Intense dark amber with soft vanilla, smoky honey, toffee and oak on the nose. Massive flavour, strong and textured with caramel and cocoa.

Note - item is not guaranteed to come in a gift box. From the Hakushu distillery in the foothills of Mount Kaikomagatake comes their Distiller's Reserve single malt whisky. This drop displays the herbaceous and smoky characteristics known to their whiskies. The The Hakushu Single Malt Japanese Whisky - Distiller’s Reserve was produced with both heavily-peated and lightly-peated malts for a deep and complex whisky. On the nose there are hits of grassy notes, pine, and peppermint. It is rounded out with cucumber and melon. The palate has pops of citrus zest and mint. The whisky finishes long and smoky.

Made with diverse unblended whisky brewing techniques and master craftsmanship developed over many years, this single grain whisky features a light and delicately sweet fragrance.

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.

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 Shin Malt Whisky is crafted by Mr. Ken Usami, the master blender of Shinobu Distillery who selected finest malt whiskies and finished them in casks made of Japanese Oak, Mizunara Wood. “Shin” stands for “Integrity”, one of the core principles of Samurai tradition. Shin Malt Whiskies are well balanced between the woody flavor and incense of sandalwood from Mizunara Oak and the bold aged maltiness, which brings The Shin Malt Whisky a fruit forward and with a bit pepper and spice aftertaste. Elegant balance of smooth malt and harmonious mix of sweet spices. With a hint of hazelnut and woody note. The palate displays sweet vanilla and sandalwood aroma together with a hint of spice. All natural without colouring. Non-chill filtered. Awards: • Silver 92pts (International Wine & Spirit Competition 2021) • Gold (San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020) • Silver 93pts (Melbourne International Spirits Competition, 2020)

One of a number of single cask bottling we've received from Martinique rhum agricole producers, Clément. This one was matured for a decade, from October 2003 to December 2013, in cask number #0310021 before being bottled at 42.8% ABv, with an outturn of 440 bottles

Two brothers. A father - Pando- remembered through this family recipe. Introducing 36 Short Gin & 36 Short Blood Orange Gin (Pando's suit size), one of a kind regional spirits made for great times and handcrafted in South Australia.