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!
Mars Shinshu Twin Alps Blended Japanese Whisky
The "Twin Alps" presented on this stunning label blends the "Central Alps" and "Southern Alps" of Kyushu, Japan. The Mars Shinshu distillery is located at Miyada, a highland village in the Nagano Prefecture, some 800m above sea level and making it Japan's highest whisky distillery. Utilising pure alpine water that flows to the Otagiri River, this whisky is distilled only during Japan's crisp winters.Mars has produced an outstanding whisky aged in bourbon barrels with lasting notes of subtle spice, oak and fruit flavours making it extremely easy to enjoy - straight, on the rocks or as a highball mix with soda and ice.Nose: Malt, light caramel, biscuit, cinnamon, grain spirits.Palate: Apple, light honey, oak, pepper, grain, vanilla.Finish: Sweet oak, black pepper, light fruit character.
Nikka Coffey Vodka
This refined vodka is the purest expression of the signature “Coffey Stills” which produce Nikka Whisky’s outstanding grain whiskies. With decades of experience in distilling white spirits as well as whisky, Nikka’s vodka perfectly captures the extremely smooth and delicate taste of the Coffey-distilled corn and barley spirits. Each spirit is distilled separately and skillfully blended. The formula is perfected with minimal filtration using white birch charcoal to deliver precise balance and mellow texture.
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.
Kurayoshi Tottori Bourbon Barrel Japanese Whisky
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.
Kyoto Nishijin Ori Red Belt Whisky
An exquisite blend of selected malt whiskies and grain whiskies. Taste the spread of the sweet vanilla-like aroma throughout the mouth. Enjoy the well-balanced taste with any drinking style.
Ota Shuzo Dokan Daiginjo
This Dokan Daiginjo sake is a very fine and balanced version of Junmai Daiginjo - Daiginjo grades of sake are considered the ultimate test of a brewer’s skill. Expect floral and fruit driven styles of sake that can be elegant and delicate or complex and intriguing. This is super premium sake at it’s best without the super premium price tag. A bold fragrant nose leads to ripe melon & fennel aromas. The palate has a light touch of sweetness and a robust round mouthfeel. Great as an aperitif or with lighter styled dishes. Serve chilled. Once opened the Ota Shuzo 'Dokan Daiginjo' will last well for at least 3 - 4 weeks, ideally in a refrigerator.
Heiwa Shuzo Furu-Tsuru-Ume Umeshu 10 Year Old
The ‘Furu-Tsuru-Ume’ is made with Nankō Ume fruit from Wakayama. The fruit is steeped in Sake for 4 months, then aged in a tank for 2 years. It is then placed in used oak barrels for further ageing of at least 8 years. This is one of the oldest wood-aged Umeshu in the market. A rich and complex example of Umeshu with a spicy oak character on the finish, this is best served slightly chilled in a wine glass to appreciate the intense and complex aromas and flavours on display here. Once opened the Heiwa 'Furu-tsuru-ume Umeshu 10YO' will last well for at least 12 - 15 weeks, ideally in a refrigerator.
Nikka Days Japanese Whisky
Nikka has always been at the crossroads of cultures, between the East and the West, Nature and Human, Tradition and Innovation. Each day is a new journey which continuously learn from previous ones. Nikka Days, the latest creation of the brand, is a shining example of this state of mind. A subtle blend of grain and malt whiskies. Creamy and smooth, fruity and floral, this whisky will please amateurs and connoisseurs.
Rihei Ginger Single Distilled Shochu
From the fourth-generation family-run and award-winning Ochiai Distillery in the Miyazaki Prefecture of Japan, this Honkaku shch meaning single-distilled, is handcrafted and produced from premium ginger, rice and barley. It is a crisp, dry and spicy shch made with 20% natural ginger. It makes the perfect cocktail, or serve it straight or on the rocks.