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Yuza Distillery was established in 2018 and to date has released just two single malts (The First Edition has already picked up Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Challenge) and is well on the way to becoming one of the country’s newest cult distilleries. Sitting at the base of Mount Chōkai in the heart of Japan’s snow country, Yuza is the first Whisky distillery in the country’s Yamagata prefecture. Operational since November 2018, from day one, Masaharu Sasaki and his young team have drawn on the example laid down by Chichibu’s Ichiro Akuto, to perfect an authentic Japanese Whisky that could compete with the world’s best, while remaining true to their sense of monozukuri and producing Whiskies that are uniquely Yuza. It’s early in the piece and yet all the signs — not least the meticulous attention to detail and limited production — point to Yuza becoming one of the brightest stars in Japan’s Whisky firmament. Yuza sits on the flats near the Sea of Japan and enjoys an abundance of soft water from snowmelt and underground springs fed by the sponge-like crevices of lava of the nearby volcano. Chosen for this purity of water and access to the port for their specialised equipment, the area also experiences a massive 40°C average temperature difference over the year. This is projected to super-charge the maturation of the Whiskies in barrel; Masaharu Sasaki estimates eight years maturing in Scotland will equate to just five years in Yamagata. To hone their craft, the Yuza Distillery team partnered from the start with Forsyths, world leaders in distillation equipment. Yuza’s entire distillery team is fresh to Whisky but nurtured and overseen by the Scottish still-makers, providing an essential blank slate to be moulded to a completely new formula, key to Yuza’s dedication to an unfettered style. Facility equipment is centred around five Canadian Douglas Fir washbacks and two stills, including a Glendronach-inspired spirits still with an extended line arm, designed for more surface contact to give cleaner flavours with fewer sulphites. Dedicated only to Single Malt production, this small operation (the distillery covers just 620 square meters) has passed up the opportunity to release any ‘newborn’ expressions. The wash is currently 100% barley from Crisp Maltings with plans to eventually include a local option. Early bottlings point to a non-peated house style, but several heavily-peated batches have also been laid down. While Yuza’s barrel program remains secretive - even when touring the facility, you’ll find all the barrelheads are painted over - the early signs pointed to a preference for ex-Bourbon barrels. Now there is a portion of Sherry cask in the mix and Masaharu Sasaki has spoken of his desire to increase his inventory, picking up stock whenever he can. This cask strength Whisky was carefully selected from barrels from the first season at Yuza Distillery from February to July 2019. It’s estimated, that this selection could contain up to 80% ex-Sherry barrels. As distinct from the First Edition - a very bright expression raised in ex-Bourbon cask - the Second Edition was blended for more complexity, depth and luxurious flavour. This has a very old-world flavour profile (slightly reminiscent of top-shelf Speyside) and the alcohol sits in excellent balance with the complexity of the spirit. There’s a whisper of peat on the nose, with fragrant cereal notes before a progression towards deeper stone fruits and fig. It’s luscious and oily in the mouth, round and slightly earthy with spice and oat notes. It finishes dry with traces of liquorice and a mineral tang.

Akkeshi began distilling in 2016, based in the Akkeshi District of Hokkaido, the concept of distilling and maturing single malt in Japan’s northern wilderness traces back to the very first plans of Masataka Taketsuru, a pioneer of the country’s early whisky production. Taisho is the 12th of the 24 Japanese solar terms. The hottest period of the year, this is a celebratory time with many festivals and fireworks. The indigo label is inspired by yukata, the light summer kimono worn during the warmer months. As always, the exact production details are difficult to pin down, but the key malt is 100% from Hokkaido aged in a variety of casks including Mizunara and Bourbon, alongside imported grain purchased as new make and aged completely in-house (nine separate components contributed to the blend) This is signature Akkeshi, with fresh yet savoury/saline peatiness positioned at the forefront. A hot-blooded blend, this changes constantly in the glass and is best without water. Secondary notes of spun sugar and tropical fruit are joined by deep citrus, burnt sage and green almond notes in the mouth. It finishes spicy, salty and long.

The Shinobu 15 year old Mizunara Cask Whisky is hand crafted by master distiller, Mr Usami. First matured in ex-Sherry and ex-Bourbon casks, it is then finished in Japanese Mizunara oak. Mizunara is an expensive oak which is hard to craft into barrels, but it imparts incredible flavours on the spirit of Shinobu. This pure malt has been maturing for no less than 15 years which has allowed the spirit to take on some very inspiring characteristics. The result is a unique fusion of flavours and dynamic explosion on the palate yet so smooth and easy to drink. Deep rich in colour and complex in flavour, mellow oak wood aromas lead to flavours of honey and molasses, hints of blueberry and deep tones of the Mizunara oak. The palate has subtle ripe fruit, lemon zest, leather and cinnamon with a hint of sweet malt and aromas of fruity oak barrels.

NOSE : Intense berry fruits merge with creamy vanilla and rich caramel with hints of freshly-baked gingerbread. TASTE : Beautifully balanced and full of character. Blackcurrant and liquorice dominate in the first instance, then chewy caramel toffee and chilli-infused chocolate come to the fore. FINISH : Rich and satisfying. Dark chocolate and caramelized raisins linger on the tongue long after the last sip is taken.

Inspired by Signature Range, The Spice Tree brings older components and a significant portion of sherry-cask aged malt whisky back to life. It is a spicy, rich and elegant whisky with a depth of flavour and complexity.

The first-ever master blend of whiskies from six famous coastal single malt distilleries: Caol Ila, Clynelish, Lagavulin, Oban, Inchgower and Talisker. A gloriously pleasing and affirming whisky that captures the character of coastal malts perfectly

Raisins, marzipan, heather and honey, with rich notes of dark cherries, spices and subtle hints of dark chocolate. Fresh vanilla, toffee, butterscotch and spices.

The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is a balanced single malt whisky created by bringing the perfect harmony of two oaks into one exceptional single malt whisky. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.

With an approach for our Single Malt that gives great length and vital contribution to the final flavour profile. The Aisling Single Malt Whisky is crafted to expose the Malted Barley produced right here in Australia. The Single Malt has a unique profile and character, which gives a full-bodied complex finish.The Aisling Single Malt Heritage Collection has been handcrafted and matured in 100 litre, Australian Vintage Apera (Sherry) Casks. Specifically coopered to give clean balance of both char and toast. The complexity from these casks is phenomenal.The natural sweetness of these casks complements the savory charisma of the Spirit.Visual bright amber with good viscosityNose revealing tobacco leaf, new leather, cherries, and prunesPalate bold and dry, moreish, and salivating with a savoury spicy finishMasculine elegance of the nose (leather and pipe tobacco) matched with the bold mouthfeel and dry spicy finish leaves you wanting more and more.700ml Bottle Size @ 51% Alc/VolCask No: 37,38,39,40,41,42 & 44Product of Griffith, NSW, Australia