White Oak - Akashi Akashi TOJI Malt / Grain Japanese Whisky
Akashi whisky is the only whisky in the world that is made by a Toji (grand-master in the art of sake making) by implementing sake-making methodologies into the whisky making process. The distil pot used is smaller than those used by both Scottish and other Japanese distilleries, which in turn, decreases the levels of fusel alcohol. As a result, Akashi whisky does not require as long of an ageing process, while its core malt (cask strength) is smooth and delicate.
Yamazakura Black Label Japanese Fine Blended Whisky
Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. Ltd was founded in 1765 and started producing whisky in 1946. The Yamazakura is a ji-whisky made by Sasanokawa Shuzo Co.This particular Black Label bottle is a new Yamazakura product that was released in 2015. Smooth after taste is refreshing with a hint of sweetness. Enjoyable both on the rocks or neat.
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!
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 Wa Bi Gin
WABIGIN literally means beautiful Japanese woman. The producer, Hombo Shuzo, has spent considerable time and effort that has resulted in the creation of a unique and truly premium Japanese Gin. All 9 botanicals are grown locally in Kagoshima Prefecture in South Japan on the island of Kyushu. It is aromatic, fresh and an elegant style of Gin with its unique Japanese element.Limited release.
Mars Wa Bi Damask Rose Gin
Floral and aromatic on the nose, fresh and soft texture with delicate sweetness, and an elegant crisp finish.The key botanicals apart from juniper berries for this gin (green tea, shiso and ginger) are grown locally in Kagoshima Prefecture in South Japan on the island of Kyushu. The original gin is blended with beautiful rose water which is made with organic and local Damask rose flower, which is considered the queen of roses.
White Oak Akashi Meisei Blended Japanese Whisky
Established more than 100 years ago, the Eigashima distillery mostly focuses on producing sake and shochu. In 1984, however, it began making proper whisky known as White Oak. In the following years, the distillery made only blended whisky until 2007 when it started production on single malts as well. The Akashi Meïsei, which translates roughly as 'celebrity' in Japanese, is a limited edition blended Japanese whisky. White Oak Akashi Meisei Blended Whisky is made with 45% American oak matured single malt.
Yamazakura Fine Blended Japanese Whisky
Yamazakura Fine Blended Japanese Whisky was created by Sasanokawa Shuzo Co, a Japanese spirits company originating in 1765 who makes sake and schochu. This fine blended whisky release is a blend comprising of the companies best distillations to date. Small, local, with huge flavours and ideas.
Togouchi Premium Blended Japanese Whisky
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.
Nikka Session Blended Malt Whisky
Nikka Session Blended Malt Whisky is the first brand new Nikka in six years! This drop beings a world blend of malts from the Miyagiko, Yoichi, and Ben Nevis distilleries. Nikka Whisky purchased the Ben Nevis Distillery in 1989 and have been using components in many Nikkas Whiskies since. This release from Nikka has aromas of pineapples, apples, blackcurrant, pears and leafy mint. Across the palate the fruit has dried up, leading us instead to peppercorn and a healthy serving of woody malt, of course. The malt wave continues to the finish with heaps of dark chocolate malt bitterness. Slightly peaty at the end.