The Chita Japanese Whisky
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.
Kirin Fuji Single Blended Japanese Whisky
Kirin Fuji Single Grain Japanese Whisky is a beautiful single grain whisky from the Fuji Gotemba distillery. They are one of Japan's most popular producers or grain whiskies. The natural environment around Mt. Fuji is blessed with lush forests, crystal clear water, and pure air. FUJI whiskies are delicately fruity and mellow, and have been nurtured over time in this environment, with its unique climate and terroir. Mt. Fuji Distillery is nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji, 620 meters (2,035 feet) above sea level and 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from its peak. Since this is a misty area, Mt. Fuji can only be seen about 1/3 of the year, despite being at such a close distance. The high humidity maintained by a year-round blanket of fog, a cool highland climate with a yearly average temperature of 13℃ (55℉), and air purified by the forests at the foot of the majestic mountain has been combining to form its climate and terroir around the distillery. This natural environment, the cool highland climate with moderate temperature changes and high humidity, is ideal for making whisky. Because of this climate and terroir, the whisk(e)y produced at Mt. Fuji Distillery is mellow, and delicately fruity on the palate. Water plays a vital role in high-quality whisky production. With excellent and abundant water being essential, we call its water “mother water,” meaning it is a blessing from Mother Earth. This excellent water source is one of the main reasons why Mt. Fuji Distillery was built at its location. The “mother water” is drawn from the aquifer that runs 100 meters (328 feet) deep underground, where snow and rain that falls on Mt. Fuji is filtered and polished for 50+ years to reach the aquifer. Because of this climate and terroir, the whisk(e)y produced at Mt. Fuji Distillery is mellow, and delicately fruity on the palate. Master Blender Jota Tanaka. formerly of Four Roses Distillery, in fact the Barrels used at Fuji Gotemba are purchased from the same cooperage and the ex-bourbon barrels used for ageing some of the distilleries whiskies are from Four Roses as well. Fuji Single Blended is the embodiment of Fuji Gotemba's commitment to creating unique Whisky. Single Blended is a blend of malt and three different types of grain whisky produced at the one site; Fuji Gotemba. Master Blender, Jota Tanaka uses a combination corn, rye and malted barley distilled across doubler, column, kettle and pot stills. This creates flavour profiles similar to Scotch, American and Canadian style whiskies. The whiskies used in this blend are between 7 and 16 years old. Unlike most other distilleries the entire production process process from mashing to bottling happens at the Fuji distillery. The nose is of ripe peach, apricot, orange liqueur, delicately fruity with a hint of honey and oatmeal cookies. On the palate the flavours are of delicate yet vivid fruits, pear, apple, apricot and white grapes the finish is delicately sweet and fruity with a rich aftertaste and long silky finish.
Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Japanese Whisky
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.
Mars Iwai Bourbon Barrel Japanese Whisky
One of only two whiskies available from the Mars range, the Mars Iwai Bourbon Barrel Japanese Whisky displays beautiful amber gold hues, with hints of rose. Light, floral and sweet on the nose, deepened by cherries, roasted coconut and dark cacao. Extra sweetness experienced with notes of honey suckle and marshmellows. Palate is soft, gingerbread, raspberry and spiced honey make for a delicious first sip. Underlying flavours of dried fig and allspice give it that extra kick. Wonderful finish of spiced port and ginger.
Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whisky
Firm, powerful. A well-balanced attack gives equal footing to aromas of peat, smoke, spices, fresh fruit (melon, kiwi) and nuts (almond, walnut), which it delivers in spades. The mid-palate starts off with chocolate notes, but the peat soon takes the lead once again.The finish is long, silky. Extremely mature, it overflows with ripe fruit (pear, Mirabelle plum, apple). The peat starts taking on an herbaceous and malty character, while the salty flavours gives the finish plenty of depth and coastal freshness. The final nose offers menthol, spicy (coriander, dill) and earthy (leather, chestnuts) notes.
Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt Whisky
Light in body, yet full of flavour, this is an excellent introduction to Japanese whisky. Elegantly fruity with sherry-cask character.Firm, lively. Malted barley is at the heart of the palate, coated in herbaceous, liquorice, spiced (ginger, cinnamon) and chocolate tones. Very elegant, the mid-palate also delivers plenty of energy and as it draws to a close, fresh tobacco leaves and coconut intertwine to create a natural symphony of aromas. The finish is long, soft. It evokes the scent of wilted roses. Fine tannins balance its tangy character (lemon, grapefruit). It lingers on notes of tobacco, spices (cardamom, ginger), toasted nuts and stewed fruits (apple, damson). The final nose reveals exotic notes (lychee).
Nikka Coffey Single Malt Whisky
Mars Iwai Tradition 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.
Tokinoka Japanese Whisky
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.
Yamazakura Fine Blended Whisky
Yamazakura Fine Blended Whisky 40% 700mlDistillery: Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. Asaka Distillery ABV: 40% Tasting notes:Orange blossoms on the nose, followed by oak, caramel, and fresh orchard fruit on the palate. Bringing serene balance and depth, this is a bottle from Japans new generation distilleries.Yamazakura - Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. chose the name Yamazakura to launch the distillerys premium whisky range because it is a combination of two important Japanese symbols in culture and society: Yama is the Japanese term for mountain, signifying the strength and poise of the spirit, while Sakura refers to cherry-trees, to relate the ephemeral beauty of the stunning blossom to the quality and sophistication of the whisky.About the Distillery:Sasanokawa Shuzos sake and shochu making dates back all the way to 1710. However, almost 200 years later, they decided to dive into the whisky making market in 1946 thus setting up Asaka Distillery. Their quality was able to stand toe to toe with large rivals like Nikka and Suntory in the northeast region of Japan. Most importantly, Sasanokawa Shuzo were also the ones who famously helped Ichiro Akuto (Ichiros Malt / Hanyu Distillery) save his whisky stocks and allowing him to build the Ichiros Malt brand. The distillerys mash tun and 5 washbacks are all stainless steel. Unlike other Japanese whisky distilleries using imported Forsyths stills, Asaka went with two copper pot stills made right here in Japan by Miyake Seisakusho. The wash still is 2000L, and spirit still 1000L, both using percolators for heating. The whisky is mostly non-peated and will be rested in primarily bourbon casks but also some sherry and wine casks.It's worth noting that the Chichibu Distillery and the Asaka Distillery have a relationship. Ichiro Akuto-san asked Sasanokawa Shuzo to store the leftover casks of the defunct Hanyu Distillery until he could get Chichibu up and running. So basically, Chichibu owes Asaka a favor! Ichiro Akuto-san brought back most of the casks and released his now highly sought after first release, the Ichiros Malt Series (otherwise known as the card series!). In fact, the Sasakanokawa Shuzo facility still has Hanyu casks in storage!