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 Suntory Single Malt Whisky "YAMAZAKI 18 years" comes in a special bottle with a silhouette of Yamazaki Distillery, the first distillery in Japan. It comes in a Paulownia wood case depicting the bamboo forests of Yamazaki, known for its pristine waters and loved by the Tea Master Sen no Rikyu. The designs reflects the divine beauty of nature and the delicate sensitivity of the Japanese, and we invite you to enjoy this aesthetically appealing, subtle yet profound Japanese whisky.

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.

Produced from the pure waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, Hakushu Distillers Reserve is a green and fresh whisky with a crisp and vibrant taste. Now, for the first time ever, this whisky is available outside of Japan.

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.

From Suntory's mountain forest distillery, Hakushu Whisky is the fresh and gently smoky single malt whisky with herbal notes that is the revelation of Japanese single malts. Hakushu 18 Year Old has a fresh deep aroma from long maturation resulting in a milk caramel and honey-like flavour on the palate and ripened fruit finish.

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.

Aged in bourbon, sherry and American White Oak new casks, "Cosmo" blended malt whisky is named after a mountain in the Japan Central Alps close to the Mars Whisky Distillery.

Helios Distillery in Okinawa Japan has been known for producing rums and awamori for a few decades. Little do people know that theyve been distilling their own whisky for a while and use their rum casks to finish this unique line of new blended whisky. An interesting addition to the world of Japanese whisky. Nose: Toasted oak and a touch of moss, creamy lemon and soft malt. Palate: Brown sugar, burnt oak again (now with a touch of earthiness to it), lime marmalade. Finish: Rye bread and a touch of bitter grape.

Toki means "time" in Japanese. A vivid blend of whiskies from Suntory's Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries, Suntory Whisky Toki features the quintessential characteristics of a Suntory Whisky blend: exquisite balance, harmony, and oneness. At the same time, its unique pairing of Hakushu® American white oak cask malt whisky with Chita heavy-type grain whisky overturns the traditional hierarchy between malt and grain.