Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve Whisky
Yamazaki is often referred to as being the pioneer of Japanese Whisky and is Suntory's flagship single malt. This whisky is spiratual and deep, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs around the world. The Distiller's Reserve is mild with fresh fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and Mizunara (Japanese oak). This is a must for any whisky lover.
Yamazakura Fine Blended Whisky
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!
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
In 1950, Chivas Brothers began the search for a secure supply of exceptional malt whisky. Strathisla Distillery in Keith, the oldest and most beautiful distillery in the Highlands, was the obvious choice. From that day to this, the world-famous Strathisla Single Malt Scotch whisky became the foundation of the Chivas blend. The international reputation of Chivas Regal has been built upon this distillery and the skill of successive generations of Master Blenders. Legally, a blended Scotch whisky must contain both single malt Scotch whiskies and single grain Scotch whiskies. Chivas Regal 12 and 18 year old whiskies are blended using a special process called triple blending. First of all, the selected single malts are blended together. The second stage sees the selected single grains blended together, and then thirdly, the vatted malts and the vatted grains are brought together. These spirits are each married in selected oak casks for an extended period of maturation in order to produce an exceptionally smooth, rich whisky. 'The smooth taste of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old reflects the traditional style of blended Scotch whiskies with a powerful array of rich, fruity aromas, and a defined smokiness that develops into a long and memorable finish.' So says Colin Scott , Master Blender of Chivas. Colin hand-picks each whisky designated for Chivas Regal 18 Year Old from the distilleries most precious stock - including certain whiskies that are now exceedingly rare. Winner of three major awards, each bottle of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old bears its own unique serial number, sourcing it back to the one particular triple blending. And because only selected casks are matured to such a great age, the quantity of Chivas 18 Year Old produced every year is always strictly limited. Tasting notes: Brassy gold appearance. Bubblegum / marshmallow opening is a little bourbonesque. Second pass reveals vanilla and biscuity malt with a judicious slather of peat. The palate combines a silky mouthfeel with solid concentration - nothing like the comparatively beige 12 Year Old - delicate spices, biscuity, honeyed grains with hints of dried fruits. The finish is crisp with a lingering confectionary note. 40% Alc./Vol.
Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Finish Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky
In ancient times, the land around I-Lan in Taiwan was called Kavalan, a mysterious land that was solely inhabited by the indigenous people of the Kavalan clan. The name was officially recognized by the Emperor of the Chin dynasty in the year of 1809 when the original city was also built under the same name. The second whisky in the Kavalan Concertmaster series is aged in the distillery's own special reserve of refill casks, then finished in the finest hand-picked Spanish Sherry casks. Wonderfully elegant, soft and fruity with delicate aromas and a complexity of layers, it showcases the art of Kavalan’s blending and the depth of flavours made possible in this unique subtropical climate.
Nikka Session Blended Malt Whisky
Nikka Session Blended Malt Whisky is the first brand new Nikka in six years! This drop beings a world blend of malts from the Miyagiko, Yoichi, and Ben Nevis distilleries. Nikka Whisky purchased the Ben Nevis Distillery in 1989 and have been using components in many Nikkas Whiskies since. This release from Nikka has aromas of pineapples, apples, blackcurrant, pears and leafy mint. Across the palate the fruit has dried up, leading us instead to peppercorn and a healthy serving of woody malt, of course. The malt wave continues to the finish with heaps of dark chocolate malt bitterness. Slightly peaty at the end.
Asabiraki Shuzo Asabiraki Namburyu Daiginjo
Aromatic & Dry finishing super premium Daiginjo sake brewed carefully in cold winter time.
The Shinobu 10 Year Old Pure Malt Japanese Whisky
Fresh wood barrel dominates the spirit with a touch of vanilla and flowers that bring to breath of nectar, maltose, tones of fruits citrus, Mizunara oak & coffee beans; medium wood intergration, then finish with a sweet aftertaste of maltose. Very smooth, rounded full pallet and easy to drink.
Attack on Titan Umeshu - (2 )
Attack on Titan collaboration with Oyama Yume Kobo, the series original author So Isayama's original drawing used for the bottles labels. Oyama Yume umeshu is made with Oushukubai plums from Oyama, which has said to be ideal for plum brewing, aged for more than 3 years it is characterized by a rich taste. This set is packaged in a specialty licensed gift box and includes 1 x Levi - Aged Plum Wine Yume Hibiki ABV 20% 1 x Elvin - Nanko Plum's Specialty Plum Wine ABV 14%
Oyama Yumehibiki 5 Year Old Nikka Whisky Umeshu
Using locally grown Oushukubai plums from Oyama, Oita which are said to be the best for ume brewing. Umeshu that has been aged for 3 years is then matured for a further 2 years in white oak barrels previously used for the maturation of Single Malt Nikka whisky. Comes with handmade Wooden Gift Box, and wrapped in a Furoshiki. Aromas of honeydew, stone fruits, almonds, apricots, brioche and malt, oak flow across the nose. The palate is rich with the fruity sweetness of plums, almonds, apricots and dried fruits with notes of Yamazaki malt. The impression of ex whisky barrels delivers some vanilla and woody notes to the finish. Slight bitterness to finish.
Nikka Pure Malt Black Japanese Whisky
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.