Nikka Session Blended Malt Whisky
Nikka Session Blended Malt Whisky is the first brand new Nikka in six years! This drop beings a world blend of malts from the Miyagiko, Yoichi, and Ben Nevis distilleries. Nikka Whisky purchased the Ben Nevis Distillery in 1989 and have been using components in many Nikkas Whiskies since. This release from Nikka has aromas of pineapples, apples, blackcurrant, pears and leafy mint. Across the palate the fruit has dried up, leading us instead to peppercorn and a healthy serving of woody malt, of course. The malt wave continues to the finish with heaps of dark chocolate malt bitterness. Slightly peaty at the end.
Kamonishiki Daiginjo Sake
The Niigata sake brewery, Kamonishiki Brewery specialising in small productions with beautiful handcrafted packaging. Established in 1893 in Kamo City, the brewery has been the locals favourite best-kept secret. Significant effort has been made to produce the highest quality sake possible, and though they may be small with limited output and production, they take great pride in their work.
Amahagan World Malt Edition No. 1 Japanese Blended Malt Whisky
Founded on the shores of Lake Biwa in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture in 2016, Nagahama Distillery is the smallest distillery in Japan. They produce single malt whiskys and also blends carefully selected whisky purchased from overseas and ages it in Nagahama’s climate. Amahagan World Malt Edition No. 1 Japanese Blended Malt Whisky is the first of its kind from the Nagahama Distillery. Filled at the end of 2018 with 47% only selected malt whiskies from the own distillery and a selection of malt whiskies from overseas. This whisky has aromas of chocolate, orange, nuts from oak, and vanilla across the nose. Rich fruit flavours on the palate like apples and oranges. A crisp malt sweetness from the Nagahama Newmake. A medium, fruit finish.
Komasa Hojicha (Green Tea) Japanese Gin
Komasa Gin is the craft gin label proudly presented by Komasa Jyozo, a shochu distillery in Kagoshima, Japan with over 130 years of distilling history. Gin and shochu both share the fact that they are distilled spirits. Drawing on decades of distilling expertise and know-how accumulated through making shochu, the distillery unveiled a new line of gins in 2018. Komasa Jyozo uses their rice shochu as the base for Komasa Gin, to which they add juniper berries and as few other ingredients as possible in order to let the main botanicals shine on their own. Komasa Jyozo’s goal is to utilize and express the natural fragrances and flavours of their quality ingredients to the fullest. With Komasa Gin, they hope they have hit upon a revolutionary style of gin that is eminently easy to drink and perfect for everyone. A wonderful tea-infused gin from Komasa Jyozo, the Hojicha expression is infused with juniper berries, shochu, Japanese cypress and roasted tea leaves from Kagoshima, which is one of Japan’s most famous tea producing regions. Roasting the green tea means that the caffeine bitterness is eliminated, making for a more aromatic, mellow flavour. Pair the gin with soda or even hot water in the same way you would with tonic for an intriguing, fragrant tipple. Roasted leafy green tea alongside earthy juniper, leading into a touch of sweetness and a fragrant, woody finish.
Mukai Shuzo Ine Mankai
The Ine Mankai from Mukai Shuzō is produced using an ancient strain of red rice, along with a with a white rice, creating a rose petal coloured sake. In provincial villages and towns within Japan red rice has been cultivated and used in traditional celebrations for centuries, but it is extremely rare to see it used commercially. While studying at Tōkyō University, Kuniko met Professor Takeda, and was encouraged to create a sake with the red rice he knew grew locally in Kuniko's hometown area of Ine. In May 2000, Kuniko released her red rice sake calling it 'Ine Mankai' or ‘Ine in Full Bloom’. It’s well balanced levels of acidity and sweetness make it perfect for drinking with a wide variety of food. Complex cherry & vanilla aroma with unique sweet/tart cherry & pomegranate flavours with a savoury, umami rich palate works equally well with savoury dishes or sweet.
The Shin 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. Well balanced between the woody flavour and incense of sandalwood from Mizunara Oak and the bold aged maltiness, brining The Shin Malt Whisky a fruit forward and with a bit pepper and spice aftertaste. This non-aged whisky has an elegance balance of smooth malt and sweet spices. A hint of woody and hazelnut notes. Sandalwood aroma and sweet vanilla come together with a touch of spice. All natural without colouring. Non-chill filtered.
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.
The Shin Blended Japanese Whisky
The Shin Blended 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.The blended expression contains 50% malt and 50% grain. The result is a unique fusion of flavours and dynamic explosion in palate yet so smooth and easy to drink. Subtle chocolate and hazelnuts teamed with soft citrus notes. All natural with no colouring.Elegant balance of smooth malt and harmonious mix of sweet spices. With a hint of vanilla, caramel, and delicate fruity flavour note. The palate displays subtle sweetness, with toasted bread flavour and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Woody aftertaste with oriental sandalwood aroma on the finish.