• 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.

Carefully selected unprocessed whiskies and pure, natural spring water are expertly blended to create this distinctive whisky. A gift from the land that surrounds Mt. Fuji, home to the finest natural spring water. Tasting Notes: Clear amber, faint smoky accent with sweet aroma, redolent of pear and dried fruit. The palate is slightly edgy attack, but well-rounded and mellow. Finish is slightly spicy. A long finish with a hint of white oak and a spreading sweetness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kurayoshi Pure Malt Whisky and Tottori Blended Whisky are one of the first Japanese small-scale craft (or Ji) whiskies to be released in Australia. Created in the shadow of Mt Daisen, at the Matsui Distillery, Kurayoshi and Tottori benefit from the mountains crystal clear waters and the distillerys 108 years of production experience to craft a superb Japanese whisky.

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.