Ichiro's Malt MWR Mizunara Wood Reserve Pure Malt Japanese Whisky was crafted by Ichiro Akuto and bottles in 2010. It is a vatting of various single malt whiskys previously aged in Japanese Mizunara oak. The nose is toasty and honeyed, light citrus and sweet, with hints of sugar in a bowl and grapefruit. The palate is fruity, tangy, rich, and spicy with hints of toffee apples and honey. The finish is abrupt but very spicy and very sweet.

Made from the blending of malts from the two distilleries of Yoichi and Miyagikyo, this whisky was the pride and joy of its creator Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka and the father of Japanese Whisky. Light golden honey in colour with candied nuts, walnuts and hazelnuts on the nose as well as delicate and gentle smoke coming through with hay. Forward and straight pallet with juicy mouth feel, yet retaining a very gentle and sophisticated heat. Sweet apricots and peach dominate at first, leading to vanilla and subtle hints of ripe grape. Complex and long on the finish with lingering taste of dry herbs, leather and sweet pastry.

• 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.

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. <br> <br> 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. <br> <br> The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky 12 Years Old is pure gold in color. The nose hints scents of peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove, candied orange, vanilla, and Mizunara (Japanese Oak). On the palate is coconut, cranberry and butter. This whiskey has a beautiful finish of sweet ginger, and cinnamon.

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.

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 Shin Malt Mizunara Whisky Range are distilled and created with the serious Whisky drinker in mind.At 48% ABV and Gift Boxed a perfect edition for Christmas. A newcomer on the world stage of Japanese whiskies, The Shin Malt Whisky ranges are making headway already on the spirit awards front. The big brother of the awarded and acclaimed Shinobu whisky ranges, the master blended distiller Mr Ken Usama has completed a beautiful range of well made, balanced and delicious whiskies.Tasting Notes:Deep wood aroma, maltose, nectar, blueberry, Mizunara oak, milk coffee; oily, ripe fruit, lemon peel, leather, cinnamon, ginger; Finished with a hint of sweet malt with aromas of wooden barrels and a touch of fruity flavour. The sweet aftertaste is outstanding! The barrel age brings out different levels of spice and tertiary characteristics. The nose is abundant with a deep floral woody scent and elegant oak.

The Shin Malt Mizunara Whisky Range are distilled and created with the Series Whisky drinker in mind.At 48% and Gift boxed, A newcomer on the world stage of Japanese whiskies.The Shin Malt Whisky ranges are making headway already on the spirit awards front. The big brother of the awarded and acclaimed Shinobu whisky ranges, the master blended distiller Mr Ken Usama has completed a beautiful range of well made, balanced and delicious whiskies.Tasting notes: The nose depicts fresh wooden barrel, maltose taste: Mizunara oak, maltose, nectar, coffee bean, fruit acids, slight fragrance of floral finish: This is richer in taste than the N A S Whisky. The sweet aftertaste is outstanding, and the barrel again brings out the different levels of spice flavours. Deep floral woody scent is also full of vitality and opulent flavour.

The Shin Malt Mizunara Whisky Range are distilled and created with the serious Whisky drinker in mind. At 48% ABV and Gift Boxed. Currently only available online only!A newcomer on the world stage of Japanese whiskies, The Shin Malt Whisky ranges are making headway already on the spirit awards front. The big brother of the awarded and acclaimed Shinobu whisky ranges, the master blended distiller Mr Ken Usama has completed a beautiful range of well made, balanced and delicious whiskies.Tasting Note: The nose depicts: vanilla, plum, mint taste: slight sweetnes, spice, vanilla, citrus and smoked oak finish: medium. sweet, Misunara oak, mint and slight bitterness, with long lasting texture. This NAS delivers optimum quality for the price.

Deep wood aroma, maltose, nectar, blueberry, Mizunara oak, milk coffee; Oily, ripe fruit, lemon peel, leather, cinnamon, ginger. Finished with a hint of sweet malt with aromas of wooden barrels and a touch of fruity flavor.Summary: This is richer in taste than the 10-year-old whisky. The sweet aftertaste is outstanding; Mizunara Barrel brings out different levels of spice flavors. Deep floral woody scent is also full of vitality.Tasting Notes:Colour: Old GoldNose: Deep wood aroma, maltose, nectar, blueberry, Mizunara oak, milk coffeePalate: Oily, ripe fruit, lemon peel, leather, cinnamon, gingerFinish: a hint of sweet malt with aromas of wooden barrels and a touch of fruity flavor.