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 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 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

Japanese whisky is not only Suntory or Nikka, there are many other less known distilleries whose reputation continues to grow. And for this new tasting, They choose a blended malt, the White Oak Tokinoka blended malt. The White Oak distillery, located in the city of Akashi (Hyogo Prefecture), was the first to obtain a license for distilling whisky in 1919. Built in 1888 for the production of sake and shochu, at the beginning the distillery produced only blend whisky in a traditional way and specially reserved for the domestic market. Then the site was modified in 1984 to start producing whisky in bigger quantities. The Eigashima Shuzo Company owner of the distillery, produced since 2007 several single malts named Akashi.