Fuji whiskey was born out of a joint venture in 1972 between Kirin Brewery, Chivas brothers and Seagram and Sons to identify the optimal site for a new whisky distillery in Japan. The water in this whisky comes from snowmelt run-off from Mount Fuji, which takes about 50 years to cycle. A proprietary yeast is used for fermenting the various grains over a 72 hour fermentation period. Three distillation formats are employed: column (lighter style), batch kettle (medium style) and pot still (heavy style). The whiskey is aged in medium to high char ex bourbon barrels, refill and virgin oak. It is non–chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.

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 25 Years Old won the “Supreme Champion Spirit”, in addition to winning the “Trophy”, which is a top award among the Japanese Whisky category. The “Supreme Champion Spirit” award is bestowed upon the most outstanding product from among Trophy award winners across all categories, which means that Yamazaki 25 Years Old was selected as the highest scoring trophy winner out of approximately 2,300 entries which were recognized in the competition. It is the first time for Yamazaki 25 Years Old to be awarded both “Trophy” and “Supreme Champion Spirit”. <br> <br> Richard Paterson OBE, Chair Judge of the Whiskies category said “The Yamazaki 25 Years Old excels once again. There are notes of lovely cinnamon and spice as well as a luxurious sense of sun-kissed raisins. Once more, I come back to that word ‘harmony.’ That’s what makes it so special.” <br> <br> Meticulously composed of rare malt whiskies, all aged over 25 years in casks such as Mizunara, Spanish and American Oak, this masterpiece single malt embraces a deep and complex flavor profile with a dried cherry, currant, tomato purée, balsamic, walnut on the nose. A palate of marmalade, coffee, cocoa, almond is all enveloped for a profound lingering finish with a hint of acidity.

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 honours 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. The Yamazaki Smoky Batch The First, a ground breaking Japanese whisky that pushes the boundaries of flavour. Crafted with precision by Suntory’s master distillers, the oldest distillery in Japan, this exceptional single malt showcases the artistry of Japanese whisky-making. With its notes of sweetly fruity flavour, slowly spreading, and gentle smokiness in every sip. It’s often described as possessing the characteristic maturation and balance found in Yamazaki whiskies. However, what sets it apart from regular Yamazaki is its unique quality. A whisky with a distinct “Japanese-style gentle smokiness.” Golden in colour with aromas of pineapple and honey notes with the slightly smoky aroma of glowing embers. On the palate a sweetly fruity flavour, with slowly spreading, gentle smokiness. The finish is faintly woody and peaty flavour elements that linger long after the first sip. This release is part of a limited edition batch, making it a prized addition to any whisky collection. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour the first of its kind from Yamazaki.

Yuza Distillery was established in 2018 and to date has released just two single malts (The First Edition has already picked up Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Challenge) and is well on the way to becoming one of the country’s newest cult distilleries. Sitting at the base of Mount Chōkai in the heart of Japan’s snow country, Yuza is the first Whisky distillery in the country’s Yamagata prefecture. Operational since November 2018, from day one, Masaharu Sasaki and his young team have drawn on the example laid down by Chichibu’s Ichiro Akuto, to perfect an authentic Japanese Whisky that could compete with the world’s best, while remaining true to their sense of monozukuri and producing Whiskies that are uniquely Yuza. It’s early in the piece and yet all the signs — not least the meticulous attention to detail and limited production — point to Yuza becoming one of the brightest stars in Japan’s Whisky firmament. Yuza sits on the flats near the Sea of Japan and enjoys an abundance of soft water from snowmelt and underground springs fed by the sponge-like crevices of lava of the nearby volcano. Chosen for this purity of water and access to the port for their specialised equipment, the area also experiences a massive 40°C average temperature difference over the year. This is projected to super-charge the maturation of the Whiskies in barrel; Masaharu Sasaki estimates eight years maturing in Scotland will equate to just five years in Yamagata. To hone their craft, the Yuza Distillery team partnered from the start with Forsyths, world leaders in distillation equipment. Yuza’s entire distillery team is fresh to Whisky but nurtured and overseen by the Scottish still-makers, providing an essential blank slate to be moulded to a completely new formula, key to Yuza’s dedication to an unfettered style. Facility equipment is centred around five Canadian Douglas Fir washbacks and two stills, including a Glendronach-inspired spirits still with an extended line arm, designed for more surface contact to give cleaner flavours with fewer sulphites. Dedicated only to Single Malt production, this small operation (the distillery covers just 620 square meters) has passed up the opportunity to release any ‘newborn’ expressions. The wash is currently 100% barley from Crisp Maltings with plans to eventually include a local option. Early bottlings point to a non-peated house style, but several heavily-peated batches have also been laid down. While Yuza’s barrel program remains secretive - even when touring the facility, you’ll find all the barrelheads are painted over - the early signs pointed to a preference for ex-Bourbon barrels. Now there is a portion of Sherry cask in the mix and Masaharu Sasaki has spoken of his desire to increase his inventory, picking up stock whenever he can. This cask strength Whisky was carefully selected from barrels from the first season at Yuza Distillery from February to July 2019. It’s estimated, that this selection could contain up to 80% ex-Sherry barrels. As distinct from the First Edition - a very bright expression raised in ex-Bourbon cask - the Second Edition was blended for more complexity, depth and luxurious flavour. This has a very old-world flavour profile (slightly reminiscent of top-shelf Speyside) and the alcohol sits in excellent balance with the complexity of the spirit. There’s a whisper of peat on the nose, with fragrant cereal notes before a progression towards deeper stone fruits and fig. It’s luscious and oily in the mouth, round and slightly earthy with spice and oat notes. It finishes dry with traces of liquorice and a mineral tang.

Mars Maltage Cosmo Blended Malt Whisky is an amber gold in colour. On the nose are hints of spicy stewed pears, walnut slices, and prunes. It is a light-to-medium bodied whisky with malt flavours and a smokey but sweet overlay. The finish is long with a mildly oily but spicy flavour. Mars Maltage Cosmo Blended Malt Whiskey is aged in sherry, bourbon, and American White Oak new casks. Cosmo is named after a mountain in the Japan Central Alps close to the Mars Whisky Distillery.

Togouchi Premium Blended Japanese Whisky is a blended release from Chugoku Jozo. Although it is blended in Japan, it is a mix of Canadian grain and Scottish Malt. Togouchi whiskies specificity is to be aged, blended and diluted in Japan. Scotch whisky barrels aging is held in a unique location, a 361 meters long tunnel dug in 1970 that offers ideal maturation conditions.

SUNTORY Hakushu 18 Year Old 43% ABV Single Malt Whisky, Japan

Hibiki 17 Year Old Whisky is produced with a combination of grain whisky and premium malts from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, which are often aged in very rare Japanese oak. This whisky is elegant and poised, slowly revealing a clear yet complex equilibrium. The bottle itself is a thing of beauty, with 24 faces, reflecting each of the seasons of the old Japanese Lunar calendar.

Produced from the pure waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, Hakushu Distillers Reserve is a green and fresh whisky with a crisp and vibrant taste. Now, for the first time ever, this whisky is available outside of Japan.