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.

This Suntory Single Malt Whisky "HAKUSHU 18 years" special bottle edition has a silhouette of Hakushu Distillery in the mountain forests. The bottle comes in a Paulownia wood box depicting the forests of Hakushu, where the birds sing and flows freely. The design reflects the divine beauty of nature and the delicate sensitivity of the Japanese, and we invite you to enjoy this aesthetically appealing, bright and quintessentially Japanese whisky.

This limited-edition bottle celebrating the 100th Anniversary pays tribute to House of Suntory’s unique design approach that brings ‘Monozukuri’ craftsmanship to life and grounds it as part of Japanese culture. This same relentless pursuit for quality, ingenuity, and expressiveness, has inspired the design of this centennial limited edition. The Hakushu 12 YO Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 12 years in various casks, created in honour of House of Suntory’s centenary. Nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, the Second-Generation Master Blender, Keizo Saji founded the Hakushu distillery. The blenders accepted the challenge of working with peat, made possible due to the distillery’s surrounding environment. The flavour was softened by the exceptionally pure mountain water, filtered through old granite rocks. This creates a fresh and gentle smoky single malt whisky, a revelation in Japanese single malts. Colour, Luminous Gold. Aroma, Vibrant with top notes of sage, ripe green apple, and hints of ripe pineapple. Palate, complex smoke revealing layers of herbal, grapefruit & acacia honey notes. Finish, Clean smoke that lingers with undernotes of fresh green citrus.

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. Experience the serene essence of Japan’s forests with Hakushu Japanese Forest Bittersweet Edition. This exceptional whisky is a tribute to nature’s beauty, capturing the sweetly complex but sprightly flavour with notes of Manuka honey, orange marmalade, and cacao. A harmoniously balanced bitterness reminiscent of espresso, leaving a delightful, lingering taste. Crafted with precision and care, it reflects the pristine landscapes of Japan, offering a unique journey through the heart of Japan’s forests with every sip. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the woods, elevated by the craftsmanship of Japanese whisky-making. Amber with reddish hues, the on the nose are aromas of cloves, apricot and prune. The palate has a sweetly complex but sprightly flavour with notes of Manuka honey, orange marmalade and cacao. The finish is well-balanced espresso-like bitter flavour that lingers pleasantly. This release is part of a limited edition batch, making it a prized addition to any whisky collection. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour the first of its kind from Hakushu.

The Hakushu Distillery is know as the 'Mountain Forest Distillery' as it stands amidst fresh streams and lush forests. Built with the notion, 'Coexisting with nature', a bird sanctuary was set up to help preserve the natural environment, thus preserving the pristine water that goes into creating the whisky. The 12 year old single malt whisky has a crisp and vibrant taste and can be enjoyed on neat, on the rocks or with ice and soda water.

Apart from Single Malts, Suntory also produces a premium series of blended whiskies under the label 'Hibiki' (meaning 'harmony'), usually containing a high proportion of Single Malt (upwards of 50% according to one of the company's blenders). Thirty different malts are employed from Suntory's three distilleries, most with an age well above 21 years. Hibiki 21 Year Old was, yet again, selected as the best-blended whisky in the world at the World Whisky Awards 2017. Hibiki has been awarded every year at the WWA since 2009. The judges described it as being Elegant, sweet and complex. This whisky is full of dried fruit, orange peel, strawberry jam, and baked apple from start to finish. Smooth, subtle and fairly short. Obvious collector appeal here, but we'd like to imagine this one being appreciated for what's inside the bottle. 43% Alc./Vol.

Yamazaki is Suntory's flagship single malt, multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas. Yamazaki 18-Year-Old is rich with mature autumn fruit resulting in a blackberry, strawberry and dark chocolate palate and long, spicy, smooth finish. It is not lacking in any flavour or aroma. Enjoy it on its own, over ice, or pair it with sticky pork ribs. Many have it with dark chocolate for that touch of decadence. Best to drink it during dessert or after a meal. Cart limit applies. Limited Stock

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