Nikka is owned by the brewer Asahi, the company was originally set up by Masataka Taketsuru, who built Yoichi distillery in 1934, having previously spent two years studying the art of distilling in Scotland. (He also developed the now famous 'Yamazaki' distillery in Kyoto for Suntory which he managed for ten years). Nikka's range of blended, pure malt and single malt whiskies will be exciting new discoveries for any Whisky enthusiast. Japanese whisky is slowly becoming on par with Scotland's famous distilleries among many of the leading whisky experts. Nikka Pure Malt Black Whisky is nutty and malty on the nose, with developing peat and a hint of ginger. In the mouth this is initially fresh and fruity – Spangles sweets, followed by subtle peat, toffee and spicy oak. The finish is lingering, sappy, peaty, and with pleasing fragrant notes. Nikka has done a great job integrating everything in the Pure Malt Black (i.e., a truly balanced blend of the peaty Yoichi and fruity Miyagikyo). One should never miss the opportunity to try a Nikka whisky neat, in an appropriate tasting glass in order to capture the full extent of the complexity and the unique profile each expression has to offer. Adding ice cubes to a fine whisky, however, is not at be seen as inappropriate in Japan. Ice cubes should be as large as possible, and the preferred option is one large block or ball of clear ice for a slow tasting experience. Japanese bartenders often hand-carve their ice for an unforgettable experience.

Taken from the centre-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H, Blanton's Original was once designated for ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton's family and friends. Today, everyone has access to the world's first single barrel bourbon. The taste profile is sweet with citrus and oak. A creamy vanilla nose features hints of nuts, caramel, orange and light chocolate. Blanton's Original set the standard for single barrel bourbons. Best served neat or on the rocks.

Blanton's Special Reserve is ideal for those new to Single Barrel Bourbons. A sweeter taste profile with aromas of dry citrus, raisin and light vanilla, finishing with crisp spicy notes and a hint of cinnamon apple.

Ilegal mezcal is a beautifully balanced vintage mezcal from Tlacolula, Oaxaca Mexico. It is made by a fourth generation Mescalero and his family using 500 year old methods. Ilegal joven mezcal is a perfect balance of espadin agave and light smoke. Deep agave aromas. Hints of baked apple and white pepper. Lingering heat and sweet agave throughout.

While India may not be the first country to mind when great world whisky is mentioned, the Fusion Single Malt is about to change all that. Considered by Jim Murray to be the 3rd best whisky in the world as part of his 2010 Whisky Bible, the Fusion is a phenomenal amalgam of flavours, aromas and texture the envy of most, even in Scotland. On the nose this spectacular whisky offers up notes of heavy oak, barley sugar and some subtle smoke characters that play ever so well with amazingly complex flavours like custard cream, toffee and dried fruits. While the whisky threatens to be completely overpowering, the balance on the finish is nothing short of ground breaking. There is simply no better way to extend your whisky horizons than with a bottle of Amrut Fusion.

Rich, but refreshing, medium intensity of aromas. Quality rice notes with some floral characters and marshmallow. Velvety texture, subtle,

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!

"Good, honest, rock solid Bourbon" - Jim Murray An unusual find in Australia, this is a sourced bourbon using whiskeys from Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana assembled in Brooklyn in five barrel batches which means each release will present a slightly different flavour profile. It's named for its water source which comes from the "Widow Jane Limestone Mine" in Rosendale, New York, prized for being even richer in minerals than the pure waters of Kentucky. Tasting notes: [Barrel not specified] Deep copper. Nosing after air contact yields drier-styled notes of dark rye bread, white pepper, light vanilla and dustings of milk chocolate. Well integrated, minty rye enters before vanillan oak. Applemint and hints of iced tea through the drying finish. An elegant, light and refreshing style with impressive length. 45.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Lots of very warm reviews on the blogoshere for this no-age-statement expression of Nikka which reportedly over-delivers for an entry level whisky. Named after the company's founder, Masataka Taketsuru, and aged on average for around 10 years, it includes whiskies from the Miyagikyo & Yoichi distilleries, including malt matured in Sherry casks.

While most other Japanese distilleries have followed the methods of Scotland, Mt. Fuji Distillery is influenced by major whisk(e)y producers all around the world, which explains this tri-part blend distilled using three different methods, each giving their own unique flavour profile. Although the exact mash-bill isn't stated, the backbone of the spirit is reported to be a 'Canadian style' grain, made with a batch distillation in something similar to a kettle still. That's supported by a Bourbon-style distillate using a Doubler, and a third Scotch-style light grain put through a continuous multi-column still. The triptych of profiles comes through in the flavours. Fuji smells a little more malt-like than typical single grain with creamy soda and vanilla malt enhanced by delicate fruity notes like stewed pears and caramelised apples. It's also fuller, richer and with more mouthfeel than you'd anticipate. There are the standard lashings of vanilla wafer but they sit over a backdrop of poached orchard fruits and warming wood spices, followed by more creamy soda, hints of dried banana and a lovely flourish of American oak which gives a Bourbonesque or light rye character to the finish. This release was initially for bars only, but from early 2021 it became available for regular tipplers in Japan and then abroad. A good thing. It's a single grain with terrific mouthfeel, and one that deserves a wide audience. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Notes from the producers... NOSE Aromas of poached pear, rustic fruit tart, Cognac and marron glacé. PALATE Seamless mouthfeel with multi layered flavours of poached pear, orange marmalade, raspberry jam, baking spices, and bitter chocolate. FINISH Mellow with gentle sweetness and pleasant spiciness, smooth with medium length finish and a hint of exotic incense.