The Shin Blended Whisky is crafted by Mr. Ken Usami, the master blender of Shinobu Distillery who selected finest malt whiskies and finished them in casks made of Japanese Oak, Mizunara Wood. “Shin” stands for “Integrity”, one of the core principles of Samurai tradition.The blended expression contains 50% malt and 50% grain. The result is a unique fusion of flavours and dynamic explosion in palate yet so smooth and easy to drink. Subtle chocolate and hazelnuts teamed with soft citrus notes. All natural with no colouring.Elegant balance of smooth malt and harmonious mix of sweet spices. With a hint of vanilla, caramel, and delicate fruity flavour note. The palate displays subtle sweetness, with toasted bread flavour and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Woody aftertaste with oriental sandalwood aroma on the finish.

Rumoured to be discontinued, prices are already jumping abroad. Best buy now while Australia is still catching up! Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured. The 12 year old blended malt sourced from two of Nikka's distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, named after the company's founder, Masataka Taketsuru. An NAS (no age statement) Taketsuru bottling has recently been released (2016) in Australia at an increased price.

Nikka's Miyagikyo Distillery is known for producing delicious, sweet whisky with strong but fruity aromas. This limited edition Single Malt Sherry cask was released in 2015 and one of only 3,000 bottles produced. The purple label is a tribute to the whisky which was aged in Spanish sherry casks. Note - item does not come with a gift box.

Note: Box has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured. A vatting of whisky from both the now closed Hanyu and Chichibu distilleries. Ichiro Akuto, the founder of Chichibu Distillery (est. 2004), is also the grandson of the founder of Hanyu distillery (shut down in 2000 and dismantled in 2004). Ichiro rescued around 400 casks before the closure. This "Double Distilleries" release is a vatting of two whiskies: Sherry matured Hanyu and Chichibu matured in a Japanese oak cask. A rare treat. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.

"A dense harmony created through the weaving together of pure whiskeys of variousages. The gentle union of flavors and a mellowness found only in a pure malt whiskey. Delicate yetcomplex aromas and flavors open up, dancing smoothly in the mouth. Nose: Nutty, with hints ofgreen apple and fresh herbs. Richly rounded with only a slight smokiness. Palate: A crisp alcoholicpresence, solid, yet delicate and smooth in the mouth. Finish: Refreshing and clean aftertaste witha long finish. Vanilla notes give way to understated woody flavors that linger in the mouth."

Yamazakura Blended Whisky is a release from Sasanokawa distillery, dating back to 1765 with highly recognised sake and schochu production. Based in the city of Koriyama Sasanokawa expanded into whisky in the 1940s. This represents a high-end complement to their entry level whisky range ('Yama' means 'mountain' and 'Sakura' means cherry tree, hence the beautiful label design). This blend is composed of four malt whiskies and one grain whisky. Orange blossoms, tangerine and gardenia on the nose, followed by cedar, burnt sugar and nashi pear on the palate. So quiet yet so powerful.

The Hakushu Distillery was founded half a century after Yamazaki. Keizo Saji, the second Master Blender, inherited his father’s quest to push the boundaries of what a Japanese whisky could be. He had searched all over Japan for high quality water that would produce the most delicately aromatic whisky. After searching with tenacity to the headstreams of rivers and deep into rugged mountains, he found Hakushu. The Hakushu Distillery is one of the highest distilleries in the world, built amidst the deepest forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. The majestic forest that surrounds the Hakushu Distillery shelters an abundance of plant varieties reflecting the many expressions of Japanese nature. The malt whiskies born here are simultaneously blessed with a very particular microclimate, verdant forests, and water offering a rare softness only made possible by filtration of rain and snow through thousand-year-old granite rocks. Straight from the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a "green and crisp" whisky. Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master blender, the unique taste made in distinct four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. The Hakushu range of whiskies, with their crisp and vibrant feel, each one unique in a single malt whisky, will enliven your palate and liberate your senses. The 100th Anniversary Limited Edition of the Hakushu 18 Single Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 18 years in various casks, created in honour of Suntory Whisky’s centenary. The Hakushu Distillery blenders work with peat, while naturally softening the palate using the exceptionally pure mountain water of the area, filtered through ancient granite rocks.

The Nikka 12 Year Old Blended Japanese Whisky is the product of two distilleries (Yoichi and Miyagikyo). This is a well-balanced blend and the result of 'the art of blending and craftsmanship'. It's also awarded 'Best Blended 12 Year Old ' at the 2016 World Whiskies Awards.

The Hakushu 18 Year Old is a complex, amazingly well-defined single malt blended with the pure waters of the Southern Japanese Alps. The nose opens with orange, ripe pear and dried mint aromas which merge with notes of oregano, almond, backed by dry smokiness. The palate is soft and delicate with complex notes of jasmine, mango, quince and menthol accented by a sweet hint of manuka honey and baking spice. Notes of citrus, honey and subtle smoke emerge on the lingering finish. Limited Stock

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.