The history and evolution of the Japanese Whisky scene can be traced back to one man, Masataka Taketsuru; a man known as the 'father of Japanese whisky'. Taketsuru not only left Japan to learn the craft from the experts in Scotland, he also crafted Japan's first whisky at the Yamazaki distillery before establishing the premium whisky house of Nikka in 1934. This unique bottling of 'From the Barrel' is a breathtaking blend of malt and grain whiskies that are hand selected, blended together and then reintroduced to cask upon their marriage. The result is a blend that possesses a distinctive personality characterised by solidity, depth of taste and a richly expanding aroma.

Miyagikyo Single Malt is described as soft and fruity. Using less peaty malt, this whisky is distilled in a pot still heated by indirect steam at a low temperature. Miyagikyo Single Malt has an elegant fruitiness and a distinctive aroma with a strong Sherry cask influence.

Fermented at very low temperatures, this is a beautifully balanced sake with aromas of Apricots and steamed rice. Great with griled pork or ocean trout and mash potato

One of only two whiskies available from the Mars range, the Mars Iwai Bourbon Barrel Japanese Whisky displays beautiful amber gold hues, with hints of rose. Light, floral and sweet on the nose, deepened by cherries, roasted coconut and dark cacao. Extra sweetness experienced with notes of honey suckle and marshmellows. Palate is soft, gingerbread, raspberry and spiced honey make for a delicious first sip. Underlying flavours of dried fig and allspice give it that extra kick. Wonderful finish of spiced port and ginger.

Mars Iwai Tradition Japanese Whisky is soft and rounded, yet full bodied and mellow. The nose gives sweet honey, leading to a complex, peaty full bodied palate which gives sweet peat, orange marmalade, maple, burnt sugar cane, cedar and cigar.

Hibiki 17 Year Old Whisky is produced with a combination of grain whisky and premium malts from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, which are often aged in very rare Japanese oak. This whisky is elegant and poised, slowly revealing a clear yet complex equilibrium. The bottle itself is a thing of beauty, with 24 faces, reflecting each of the seasons of the old Japanese Lunar calendar.

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.

Kizakura is one of the most famous sake brewers from Kyoto, Japan. Width & depth in a flavour and semi dry taste with a good amount of acid, perfectly matching any Japanese dishes.

From the Hakushu distillery in the foothills of Mount Kaikomagatake comes their Distillers Reserve single malt whisky. A no-age statement expression that captures the smoky, herbaceous characteristics of their whiskies. Both lightly-peated and heavily peated malts were used for this complex and deeply enjoyable whisky. A hint of smoke and a lovely long finish.

Carefully selected unprocessed whiskies and pure, natural spring water are expertly blended to create this distinctive whisky. A gift from the land that surrounds Mt. Fuji, home to the finest natural spring water. Tasting Notes: Clear amber, faint smoky accent with sweet aroma, redolent of pear and dried fruit. The palate is slightly edgy attack, but well-rounded and mellow. Finish is slightly spicy. A long finish with a hint of white oak and a spreading sweetness.