• Nose Apples, pears, tropical fruits, and hints of spices. •Palate Delicate oaks, figs, nuts, and butterscotch. • Finish Sweet and long finish, with pleasant fruity, herbal scent and woody texture. Kujira Ryukyu Whisky Series is owned by the Shin Group Corp., one of the biggest Japanese liquor distribution companies focusing on unique and high- quality Japanese whisky. The Kujira whisky are produced by Shin Group’s strategic partner, Masahiro Shuzo, in Okinawa. After the World War II, the demands of whisky from stationed U.S. military were very high. In order to satisfy the demands, some local distilleries tried to make whisky by rice, and age in oak barrels. Soon, the whisky was sought-after and given the name “Ryukyu Whisky” by stationed soldiers. All Kujira Whisky are distilled by 100% Indica rice and Okinawa’s unique “black koji” for the mashing before maturing in oak casks that give the whisky an unique character. Okinawa is part of the Ryukyu Islands, which are a chain of subtropical islands. Thanks to the island’s warm climate, whisky takes less time to mature and thus has a stronger aroma and a bolder taste. The special flavor from Indica rice further gives the whisky a long and unique aftertaste. Kujira means “whale” in Japanese. The whale is a symbol of generosity and peace. Long plagued by war, the Ryukyu Islanders consider the whale as the guardian of peace and nature.

Yoichi Single Malt is described as bold and strong. Pleasant peaty notes and smokiness originate from traditional direct coal-fired distillation accented with a briny hint delivered by the sea breeze during the ageing process.

The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery founded in 1923 by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii. Yamazaki is not only the soul place of Suntory Whisky but the birthplace of Japanese Whisky. Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, it is said that Torii selected the land of Yamazaki at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for its high-quality water source and natural environment ideal for whisky making. Yamazaki was born from the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas, Yamazaki whiskies are complex and deep. Made at Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. The House of Suntory honors the birthplace of Japanese whisky, capturing and celebrating the pioneering roots of one of the world’s greatest whiskies from the place Shinjiro Torii chose to begin the illustrious journey of Japanese whisky. Fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has returned to the roots of what made Yamazaki Single Malt quintessentially Yamazaki: deep, complex and multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara notes. Yamazaki Whisky is Suntory's flagship single malt whisky, from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery, multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas. From Yamazaki was born the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Spiritual and deep, made at Yamazaki Distillery, the soul place of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. Today, Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Whisky is not only the No.1 single malt whisky in Japan, but is enjoyed in more than 35 countries. Between 2014 - 2017, the annual Yamazaki Limited Editions were some of the most sough after annual release from Japan. These whiskies were limited in numbers and contained some of the best Yamazki liquid. Once they realised there were shortages they took these released to the wayside, making room for other non-age statement whiskies such as Essence of Suntory Volumes 3 and 4 and the recent Yamazaki Cask Finish releases. Back in 2021 and now again in 2022 we have again the Yamazaki Limited Edition 2022. This release was matured in Mizunara wood, resulting in an aromatic and creamy expression delivering a fruity and lively tasting experience.

Made with diverse unblended whisky brewing techniques and master craftsmanship developed over many years, this single grain whisky features a light and delicately sweet fragrance.

Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. Ltd was founded in 1765 and started producing whisky in 1946. The Yamazakura is a ji-whisky made by Sasanokawa Shuzo Co.This particular Black Label bottle is a new Yamazakura product that was released in 2015. Smooth after taste is refreshing with a hint of sweetness. Enjoyable both on the rocks or neat.

The history and evolution of the Japanese Whisky scene can be traced back to one man, Masataka Taketsuru; a man known as the 'father of Japanese whisky'. Taketsuru not only left Japan to learn the craft from the experts in Scotland, he also crafted Japan's first whisky at the Yamazaki distillery before establishing the premium whisky house of Nikka in 1934. This unique bottling of 'From the Barrel' is a breathtaking blend of malt and grain whiskies that are hand selected, blended together and then reintroduced to cask upon their marriage. The result is a blend that possesses a distinctive personality characterised by solidity, depth of taste and a richly expanding aroma.

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

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.

Miyagikyo Single Malt is described as soft and fruity. Using less peaty malt, this whisky is distilled in a pot still heated by indirect steam at a low temperature. Miyagikyo Single Malt has an elegant fruitiness and a distinctive aroma with a strong Sherry cask influence.