Akashi whisky is the only whisky in the world that is made by a Toji (grand-master in the art of sake making) by implementing sake-making methodologies into the whisky making process. The distil pot used is smaller than those used by both Scottish and other Japanese distilleries, which in turn, decreases the levels of fusel alcohol. As a result, Akashi whisky does not require as long of an ageing process, while its core malt (cask strength) is smooth and delicate.

The color is reddish and glossy brick. The flavor from red wines such as raisins and berries is in perfect harmony with the unique malt flavour of Nagahama. A refreshing afterstate of orange peel can be enjoyed. The sweetness of grain carries through the finish with a long, moderate astringent taste. The flavors linger long after the sip.

The Mars Three And Seven Japanese blended whisky takes its name from the whiskies used in the blend: a three-year-old grain spirit and a seven-year-old malt.Shinshu Mars distillery was founded by Hombo Shuzo, a Japanese shochu producer. Situated between the Northern and Southern Alps of Honshu, it is Japan's highest distillery.Nose: Light, green apple skins, marzipan, sandalwood.Palate: Sweet spice and subtle oak.Finish: Sweet spice with a hint of fennel and oak.

The "Twin Alps" presented on this stunning label blends the "Central Alps" and "Southern Alps" of Kyushu, Japan. The Mars Shinshu distillery is located at Miyada, a highland village in the Nagano Prefecture, some 800m above sea level and making it Japan's highest whisky distillery. Utilising pure alpine water that flows to the Otagiri River, this whisky is distilled only during Japan's crisp winters.Mars has produced an outstanding whisky aged in bourbon barrels with lasting notes of subtle spice, oak and fruit flavours making it extremely easy to enjoy - straight, on the rocks or as a highball mix with soda and ice.Nose: Malt, light caramel, biscuit, cinnamon, grain spirits.Palate: Apple, light honey, oak, pepper, grain, vanilla.Finish: Sweet oak, black pepper, light fruit character.

"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.

Kavalan’s Distillery Select series showcases the fine art of blending and the exquisite cask selection of Taiwan’s premier distillery. This expression No. 2 is an enticingly smooth drop, deeply aromatic with an irresistible floral and herbal complexity that delivers the delicious tranquility of the forest.

Suntory's Flagship whiskey, the Yamazaki takes its place as the number 1 single malt whiskey in Japan. Also available in 12, 18 and 25 year varieties the Distillers reserve is the youngest in the lineup. Crafted using malt matured in sherry casks which gives the whisky a rich spiced nose of sherry soaked plums and raisins. On the palate you’ll find coffee and chocolate with a hint of smoke. A fantastic Japanese malt and one of the best currently produced bearing the Takesuru name.

Okayama Craft Gin Sakura Cask Finish is distilled using rice shochu as a base plus a blend of more than a dozen classic botanical including coriander, lemon peel, juniper, lavender, and orange. Unique to this gin is the Okayama region famous Momo white peach. Finished in a barrel made from Sakura (Japanese Cherry Blossom) imparting a sweet wild berry note. The resulting gin has aromas of citrus, lavender, peach, and wild cherry across the nose. The palate comes together with a blend of juniper, Mikan/Hetsuka orange and yuzu lemon, kumquat, Saigon cinnamon. he cask influence adds brioche, cherry candy and marzipan.

Aged for 12 years in sherry barrels, the Okayama 12 Year Old Barely Sherry Cask Shochu has a taste of equal parts elegant and mellow. The aging process combines the best elements from sake and scotch, creating a drop excellent for both savouring and sipping. The nose has exquisite aromas of brioche, sherry, oak, and barley. Notes of summer citrus float across the palate giving way to the soft sweetness of caramel and vanilla. A long, textured, and creamy finish.

Kyoya Hinata Small Batch Gin is distilled with generous amounts of juniper complimenting the piny flavour and provides this gin its signature warmth. Botanical extracts from hebess citrus, kumquat, yuganatsu citrus from the sunny Miyazaki prefecture have been added. A beautiful afterglow of cardamom and chamomile shine through.