Ming River Baijiu
A balanced and complex spirit, Ming River is the original Sichuan baijiu. Each batch starts with locally harvested red sorghum grain and the purest waters from protected wells. It is fermented in earthen pits with naturally harvested yeast cultures native to Luzhou that impart the distinctive terroir of Sichuan style baijiu. After two months, the mash is unearthed and distilled in small batches using a traditional Chinese pot still. The spirits age for up to two years before the master blender balances them into Ming River’s distinctive flavor.
Suntory Whisky The Chita Single Grain Japanese Whisky
Continuing 40 years of excellence in distilling Japanese grain whiskies at Chita distillery, the House of Suntory Whisky's Master Blenders have created an outstanding single grain whisky. In 1972, on the shores of Chita Peninsula, Keizo Saji—Suntory’s second Master Blender—built a distillery dedicated to creating the highest quality Japanese grain whisky. Born in September 2015, Suntory Single Grain Whisky Chita is completely different from the ordinary grain whiskies used in blended whisky. To imbue greater complexity and depth of flavour, Shinji Fukuyo chose to age Chita grain whisky in wine and Spanish Oak casks, in addition to American White Oak.The result is a milder, smoother grain whisky with unparalleled sophistication and a clean, clear finish. With versatile flavours and exquisite balance, Chita grain whiskies have traditionally been used as the "dashi" or broth that enhances the harmony of Suntory blends. Through continuous research and innovation, Chita’s grain whiskies have achieved an unrivalled sophistication and a level of complexity that lets them finally take centre stage.
Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Note - item is not guaranteed to come in a gift box. From the Hakushu distillery in the foothills of Mount Kaikomagatake comes their Distiller's Reserve single malt whisky. This drop displays the herbaceous and smoky characteristics known to their whiskies. The The Hakushu Single Malt Japanese Whisky - Distiller’s Reserve was produced with both heavily-peated and lightly-peated malts for a deep and complex whisky. On the nose there are hits of grassy notes, pine, and peppermint. It is rounded out with cucumber and melon. The palate has pops of citrus zest and mint. The whisky finishes long and smoky.
Oyama Yumehibiki 5 Year Old Nikka Whisky Umeshu
Using locally grown Oushukubai plums from Oyama, Oita which are said to be the best for ume brewing. Umeshu that has been aged for 3 years is then matured for a further 2 years in white oak barrels previously used for the maturation of Single Malt Nikka whisky. Comes with handmade Wooden Gift Box, and wrapped in a Furoshiki. Aromas of honeydew, stone fruits, almonds, apricots, brioche and malt, oak flow across the nose. The palate is rich with the fruity sweetness of plums, almonds, apricots and dried fruits with notes of Yamazaki malt. The impression of ex whisky barrels delivers some vanilla and woody notes to the finish. Slight bitterness to finish.
Nikka Pure Malt Black Japanese Whisky
Nikka is owned by the brewer Asahi, the company was originally set up by Masataka Taketsuru, who built Yoichi distillery in 1934, having previously spent two years studying the art of distilling in Scotland. (He also developed the now famous 'Yamazaki' distillery in Kyoto for Suntory which he managed for ten years). Nikka's range of blended, pure malt and single malt whiskies will be exciting new discoveries for any Whisky enthusiast. Japanese whisky is slowly becoming on par with Scotland's famous distilleries among many of the leading whisky experts. Nikka Pure Malt Black Whisky is nutty and malty on the nose, with developing peat and a hint of ginger. In the mouth this is initially fresh and fruity – Spangles sweets, followed by subtle peat, toffee and spicy oak. The finish is lingering, sappy, peaty, and with pleasing fragrant notes. Nikka has done a great job integrating everything in the Pure Malt Black (i.e., a truly balanced blend of the peaty Yoichi and fruity Miyagikyo). One should never miss the opportunity to try a Nikka whisky neat, in an appropriate tasting glass in order to capture the full extent of the complexity and the unique profile each expression has to offer. Adding ice cubes to a fine whisky, however, is not at be seen as inappropriate in Japan. Ice cubes should be as large as possible, and the preferred option is one large block or ball of clear ice for a slow tasting experience. Japanese bartenders often hand-carve their ice for an unforgettable experience.
Yamazakura Blend Whisky
Yamazakura is a new release from Sasanokawa distillery, dating back to 1765 with recognised sake and schochu. Based in the city of Koriyama Sasanokawa expanded into whisky in the 1940s. This represents a high-end complement to their entry level whisky range ('Yama' means 'mountain' and 'Sakura' means cherry tree, hence the beautiful label design). This blend is composed of four malt whiskies and one grain whisky. Orange blossoms on the nose, followed by oak, caramel, and fresh orchard fruit on the palate. Ideal in a highball.
Ki No Tea Gin
A delicate, sweet nose is echoed on the palate; notes of white chocolate, followed by juniper lead to a long, clean finish of green tea.
The Kyoto Distillery 'Ki No Bi Sei' Kyoto Dry Gin
The higher strength allows the distinctive taste of Ki No Bi's flavour profile to prevail. It is punch on the palate but retains purity and harmony in perfect balance. An outstanding gin for cocktails.
The Kyoto Distillery 'Ki No Bi' Kyoto Dry Gin
Fresh aroma of yuzu, and a thread of sansho pepper that lingers. The juniper complements and showcases the Japanese botanicals. Ginger root gives a slightly warming, spicy finish.