Japanese Whisky

As with much of what passes for Japanese whisky, the spirit for this one was not produced in Japan, it was however matured there for at least some of its life. This "pure malt", a term no longer allowed in Scotland, means it is a blend of different single malts, or a Blended Malt. The sourced whiskies, almost certainly Scottish, where matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry before marrying and gfinishing in Mizunara, Japanese Oak. 43%.

Tasting Notes

Nose: salted caramel, raisins, dates and figs; firm new leather, fruity tobacco and candied nuts; chocolate covered espresso beans and Twizzlers black licorice.

Palate: round, fruity and spicy; more salted caramel, firm new leather, Twizzlers Black and salty Dutch licorice; a trace of juicy malt, dried dark fruits and more chocolate covered espresso; drying and spicy with more cinnamon sticks, ginger root and fennel.

Finish: medium long, coating, drying and spicy; elegant but subtle.

Comment: the Mizunara oak notes do not come through quite as prominently for me on the 15 as they did on the 10 year; this is a more mature, austere and understated malt.

"Shinobu Distillery is located in Niigata (Koshi area) of Japan, which is famous for its “Three White” treasures namely snow, rice and sake. Quality whisky selected from all around the world is reserved in bourbon and sherry casks for more than 3 years and later finished with precious Mizunara oak in Japan. “Shinobu” in Japanese means forbearance, which is considered an important trait of Japanese culture; thus, the name reflects the spirit of making good whisky.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Vanilla, plums, minty.

Palate: Slightly sweet, spices, vanilla, citrus, smoky oak.

Finish: Medium, sweet, woody, minty, slight bitterness.

A blended whisky from Suntory's three distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita. Toki has a different composition to another Suntory blend, Hibiki, as its main components are Hakashu single malt and Chita grain whisky. It should work really well in a highball.

Tomoe Gozen, a legendary female samurai from 13th century Japan, who led troops into battle armed with a naginata and kaiken, lends her name to a Japanese whisky crafted at the Yamanashi Prefecture Distillery. Aged for 8 years in Mizunara oak barrels, this whisky combines grain and malt whisky to create a profile characterized by warm, fruity, and vanilla notes, complemented by hints of oak, red apple, coconut, and marzipan flavors. The experience culminates in a medium-length finish, embodying the spirit of this revered warrior.

Shinobu Distillery is located in Niigata (Koshi area) of Japan, which is famous for its “Three White” treasures namely snow, rice and sake. Quality whisky selected from all around the world is reserved in bourbon and sherry casks for more than 3 years and later finished with precious Mizunara oak in Japan. “Shinobu” in Japanese means forbearance, which is considered an important trait of Japanese culture; thus, the name reflects the spirit of making good whisky.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Butter, coconuts, candy, mint, grass, wood.

Palate: Smooth, a bit oily hint of Chinese incense, butter, vanilla.

Finish: Medium, sandalwood, vanilla.

Kujira Ryukyu Single Grain Whisky 10 years was distilled from 100% premium Indica rice and matured in White Oak Virgin casks for more than 10 years.Nose: Rich and sweet butter with caramel, spices from sapwood like bourbon whisky.

Palate: sweet and buttery, like caramel, roasted wood, liquorice. With an extinguish taste of spice such as cloves and cinnamon.
Finish: bitterness with long finish of spices, that brings back the sweetness

Eigashima Shin Serene whisky is named after Mr. Hiraishi, the eighth generation of Eigashima Shuzo. Mild and soft as the fascination towards Seto Inland Sea, light and smooth on the palate, just exactly the same as Mr. Hiraishi’s natural disposition in gentleness.Based on the unique centuries-old whisky blending skills and the tradition of sake brewery of Eigashima, Shin Serene whisky is carefully made by Toji, also the chief executive of Eigashima sake brewery. As a blend of whisky aged 3 years in a combination of sherry, bourbon, and Japanese shochu barrels, the fusion is well balanced and sublimated to a new level.
Tasting Note
Nose: orange peel, honey, pepper, spices
Taste: an oily mouthfeel, citrus, vanilla, light honey with a comfortable and slightly spicy shot
Finish: reminiscent of peaches and almonds, honey, mellow aftertaste
Color: amber

A cask strength variant of Kaiyo Whisky, a Japanese teaspooned malt which has endured a maturation in mizunara casks - known for being expensive though difficult for coopers to work with. These whiskies also spend part of their maturation at sea, to help develop their flavour profiles.

SHIN Select Reserve Whisky is blended with 2 years finished whisky of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry, that are both previously aged in Japanese Shochu cask (American Oak) for 3 years.

Award List:

Bronze (World Whisky Awards, 2022)

Double Gold Medal (San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021)

Bronze Medal (IWSC 2020)

Tasting Notes

Nose: cereal barley malt, some caramelised sugar and light treacle, hints of vanilla custard and crème brulee, fruity apples and pears, toffee and caramel

Palate: light and smooth initially, creamy caramelised sugar, caramel, fudge, toffee, vanilla, some spices begin to develop, a light wasabi heat and a little fennel give this a spiced kick

Finish: medium, balanced between creamy vanilla toffee and drying spiced oak and hints of peat

Sadashi Mizunara Oak Finish Japanese Whisky is a premium spirit that showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and unique character of Japanese whisky-making. This expression is distinguished by its finishing period in Mizunara oak casks, which impart distinct flavors and aromas to the whisky. Mizunara oak, native to Japan, is renowned for its porous nature, allowing for deeper interaction between the whisky and the wood, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. Expect notes of sandalwood, incense, and spices, along with hints of tropical fruits, vanilla, and a touch of coconut. The palate is likely smooth and well-rounded, with a delicate balance of sweetness and spiciness, leading to a long and satisfying finish. Sadashi Mizunara Oak Finish Japanese Whisky is a luxurious choice for whisky enthusiasts seeking a truly exceptional and memorable tasting experience.

An accomplished blend packed with appealing flavors from Miyagikyo and Yoichi Distilleries. Honey, baked lemon, vanilla essence, brioche, golden syrup, and spring tree blossom aromas, with hints of butterscotch and caramel. Smooth, rich, and rounded, this has toffee, chocolate, red berry fruit, plum, vanilla pod, a touch of oak char, and clipped spices. A flash of peat smoke on the finish, with flavors of burnt sugar, baked fruits, and spices.