Dewazakura and the local agricultural bureau developed regional sake rice called Dewa Sansan which is used in this sake. A very soft and deep flavoured style with good zingy acidity, and a clean and fresh finish.

Japanese whisky is not only Suntory or Nikka, there are many other less known distilleries whose reputation continues to grow. And for this new tasting, They choose a blended malt, the White Oak Tokinoka blended malt. The White Oak distillery, located in the city of Akashi (Hyogo Prefecture), was the first to obtain a license for distilling whisky in 1919. Built in 1888 for the production of sake and shochu, at the beginning the distillery produced only blend whisky in a traditional way and specially reserved for the domestic market. Then the site was modified in 1984 to start producing whisky in bigger quantities. The Eigashima Shuzo Company owner of the distillery, produced since 2007 several single malts named Akashi.

This peaty Single Malt dates back to 1816, when John Johnston and Archibald Campbell each constructed a distillery on what today is the Lagavulin site. After Johnston died, Campbell consolidated the two, before selling it to malt merchant Alexander Graham. Today it continues to uphold the traditions of its past, using meticulous preparation to create powerful whisky. Their signature 16 year old malt has a strong peat, smoke and seaweed nose that is followed by a nutty complexity and light fruitiness. In the mouth characters of Charcoal, dry woodiness and iodine followed by chilli chocolate and a hint of toffee.

Yamazakura Fine Blended Whisky 40% 700mlDistillery: Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. Asaka Distillery ABV: 40% Tasting notes:Orange blossoms on the nose, followed by oak, caramel, and fresh orchard fruit on the palate. Bringing serene balance and depth, this is a bottle from Japans new generation distilleries.Yamazakura - Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. chose the name Yamazakura to launch the distillerys premium whisky range because it is a combination of two important Japanese symbols in culture and society: Yama is the Japanese term for mountain, signifying the strength and poise of the spirit, while Sakura refers to cherry-trees, to relate the ephemeral beauty of the stunning blossom to the quality and sophistication of the whisky.About the Distillery:Sasanokawa Shuzos sake and shochu making dates back all the way to 1710. However, almost 200 years later, they decided to dive into the whisky making market in 1946 thus setting up Asaka Distillery. Their quality was able to stand toe to toe with large rivals like Nikka and Suntory in the northeast region of Japan. Most importantly, Sasanokawa Shuzo were also the ones who famously helped Ichiro Akuto (Ichiros Malt / Hanyu Distillery) save his whisky stocks and allowing him to build the Ichiros Malt brand. The distillerys mash tun and 5 washbacks are all stainless steel. Unlike other Japanese whisky distilleries using imported Forsyths stills, Asaka went with two copper pot stills made right here in Japan by Miyake Seisakusho. The wash still is 2000L, and spirit still 1000L, both using percolators for heating. The whisky is mostly non-peated and will be rested in primarily bourbon casks but also some sherry and wine casks.It's worth noting that the Chichibu Distillery and the Asaka Distillery have a relationship. Ichiro Akuto-san asked Sasanokawa Shuzo to store the leftover casks of the defunct Hanyu Distillery until he could get Chichibu up and running. So basically, Chichibu owes Asaka a favor! Ichiro Akuto-san brought back most of the casks and released his now highly sought after first release, the Ichiros Malt Series (otherwise known as the card series!). In fact, the Sasakanokawa Shuzo facility still has Hanyu casks in storage!

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Year Old is matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, adding richness and complexity. A matured character, the 12 Years Old delivers rich wood spice and dried fruits and a natural rich gold colour.

This is an elegant representation of Nishinomiya Sake at its finest. This sake has aromatic beginning and smooth finish full of finesse.

SHINOBU (meaning Forbearance in Japanese) Whisky is hand crafted by the creative master blender, Mr. Usami, by carefully selecting whisky from different distilleries which are first reserved in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks and then finishing them with precious Japanese Mizunara oak.

The Shin Malt Mizunara Whisky Range are distilled and created with the serious Whisky drinker in mind. At 48% ABV and Gift Boxed. Currently only available online only!A newcomer on the world stage of Japanese whiskies, The Shin Malt Whisky ranges are making headway already on the spirit awards front. The big brother of the awarded and acclaimed Shinobu whisky ranges, the master blended distiller Mr Ken Usama has completed a beautiful range of well made, balanced and delicious whiskies.Tasting Note: The nose depicts: vanilla, plum, mint taste: slight sweetnes, spice, vanilla, citrus and smoked oak finish: medium. sweet, Misunara oak, mint and slight bitterness, with long lasting texture. This NAS delivers optimum quality for the price.

Gold Edition is made from 100% Japanese Nanko ume & French brandy and contains real gold flakes that will amuse your eye. It has especially elegant and fruity taste and aroma of the ume fruit and French brandy. This is the drink you can see and taste the quality.

Bridging the boundary of the Highlands and Lowlands, Glengoyne is a unique distillery in that they don't use peat smoke to dry their barley, rather they simply use warm air. This gives the whiskies produce a feel of grace and subtlety. Their 12 Year Old Single Malt has a nose of lemon rind and candied apples and glimmer of coconut. The palate is dense and flavoursome courtesy of the hand-selected sherry casks that also impart a textured, long lasting finish.