Hibiki Blossom Harmony Japanese Whisky (Limited Release )
Suntory Whisky was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii. For over three generations, Suntory's master blenders have devoted themselves to pursuing the harmony of Japanese nature and craftsmanship. Shaped through masterful technique and served with a reverence for Japanese omotenashi, Suntory whiskies are among the most awarded and admired in the world. Hibiki is the paragon of harmony - launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntory's philosophy on living in harmony with people and nature. The name Hibiki means "resonance" in Japanese. Suntory Whisky Hibiki resonates with the subtleties of nature infused by the twenty-four reasons of Japan's traditional calendar and reflected in the twenty-four facets of its bottle's designs. Hibiki is a noble blend of innumerous malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's globally acclaimed Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. These whiskies are meticulously blended to created a sense of "wa" - a oneness which unveils a full orchestra of flavours and aroma. This is the third edition of the Hibiki Blossom Harmony series, a Limited Edition bottling released in 2023. For the Blossom Harmony, the blenders at Suntory married Hibiki liquid with Sakura cask finished whisky, set to bring more of the same well-balanced, perfectly crafted whisky, but with a twist. The nose is full of wafting floral scents, Sakura, fragrant olive. The palate has a smooth mouthfeel, with expanding fragrances of acacia honey, pear and a refined sweetness suggestive of Sakura mochi. The finish is long lasting and rich with a brilliant aftertaste and that signature Hibiki creaminess.
Akkeshi Taisho Blended Japanese Whisky ( Bottling)
Akkeshi began distilling in 2016, based in the Akkeshi District of Hokkaido, the concept of distilling and maturing single malt in Japan’s northern wilderness traces back to the very first plans of Masataka Taketsuru, a pioneer of the country’s early whisky production. Taisho is the 12th of the 24 Japanese solar terms. The hottest period of the year, this is a celebratory time with many festivals and fireworks. The indigo label is inspired by yukata, the light summer kimono worn during the warmer months. As always, the exact production details are difficult to pin down, but the key malt is 100% from Hokkaido aged in a variety of casks including Mizunara and Bourbon, alongside imported grain purchased as new make and aged completely in-house (nine separate components contributed to the blend) This is signature Akkeshi, with fresh yet savoury/saline peatiness positioned at the forefront. A hot-blooded blend, this changes constantly in the glass and is best without water. Secondary notes of spun sugar and tropical fruit are joined by deep citrus, burnt sage and green almond notes in the mouth. It finishes spicy, salty and long.
Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky (First Release )
Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky embodies Kanosuke Distillery’s concept of "mellow land, mellow whisky. It was produced using all 3 of their pot stills, aged in several varieties of oak barrels, and blended together after 3 years of maturation. It was as produced at Kanosuke Distillery between 2017-18 and is their first single malt Japanese whisky. Made with unpeated malt, it is bottled at cask strength from a blend of barrels, with re-charred American white oak ex-“Mellowed Kozuru” aged shochu casks as key.
Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Special Release )
The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in refill American oak, then finished in virgin Tawny port and red muscat-seasoned casks. For the whisky that arguably has the most exotic cask make-up in this line-up, not to mention its famed meaty spirit, the nose on this is relatively quiet. It takes a bit of digging to find hints of red forest fruits (currants and raspberries) and perhaps some jelly confectionery notes.
Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Scotch Blended Whisky of the Year (over 12 years)' - 95 points Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2010. After a 98 year absence, Chivas Regal 25 returned in 2007, paying homage to the first ever Chivas Regal blend. First released in 1909, the Inclusion of single malt whisky from the Strathisla ditillery, Speyside is said to give Chivas its defining sweetness. Tasting notes: Deep brassy gold colour. Rich and heady bouquet offers a sublime medley of fruits and nuts, dark chocolate, nougat and vanilla. An exceptionally pure, soft and svelte textured delivery possesses remarkable vibrancy for a whisky of its ilk. Stewed fruits combine with lively spices, cocoa and vanilla wafer biscuit. Outstanding length and balance. Concludes long and fresh, almost peppermint like, with hints of spice and cocoa persisting. A brilliant example that showcases what extra aged Scotch Whisky is all about. 40% Alc./Vol.
Michter's Single Barrel 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Michter's, a renowned American whiskey company, has a rich history dating back to 1753 when Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk founded the distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. Shenk's whiskey was made from rye grain, which was a favourite local crop in the Pennsylvania Blue Mountain Valley where the distillery was located. During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington purchased whiskey from Shenk's to fortify his men as they hunkered down in their camp through the long, brutal winter at Valley Forge. The Michter's Pennsylvania management would later say that Michter's was "the whiskey that warmed the American Revolution." In the mid-1800s, Pennsylvania Dutchman Abraham Bomberger purchased the distillery and it became known as Bomberger's. However, the passage of Prohibition in 1919 forced the distillery, along with other American spirits producers, to shut its doors to the public. Although the distillery did reopen after the repeal of Prohibition, it changed hands many times over the next few decades and frequently occupied a precarious financial position. In 1989, with the entire American whiskey industry suffering a prolonged downturn, Michter's then-owners declared bankruptcy and abandoned the premises, leaving its Pennsylvania operations in disrepair and the Michter's name seemingly lost to history. However, in the 1990s, Joseph J. Magliocco and his consultant and mentor Richard "Dick" Newman teamed up to resurrect Michter's. Magliocco and Newman made their first major strategic decision to resurrect Michter's in Kentucky, in the heart of the modern American whiskey industry, to ensure access to the best whiskey talent and resources available. Today, Michter's has three locations in Kentucky, including a 78,000 square foot distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, the architecturally significant Fort Nelson Building on Louisville's Museum Row and 205 acres of farm land in Springfield. Michter's is renowned for producing the best whiskey possible and they continue to honour the Michter's legacy by offering the greatest American whiskey. Michter's has come a long way since its early years in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania and its resurgence in Kentucky is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and attention to detail. The 10-Year Rye, 10-Year Bourbon, and 20-Year Bourbon expressions from Michter's are a testament to the brand's exceptional craftsmanship and Kentucky's unrivalled climate for aging outstanding whiskey. These highly limited releases are often significantly older than the age statement on the label, as only a select few barrels age with the elegance required for inclusion. The result is a truly exceptional whiskey that showcases the brand's commitment to quality and attention to detail. Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye is one of the brand's most limited production items, continuing the legacy of America's first whiskey variety (rye) from America's first whiskey company (Michter's, originally known as Shenk's). After a nearly three-year absence from the market, Michter's then Master Distiller Willie Pratt finally gave the green light for the re-release of Michter's 10 Year Straight Rye in April 2014. This single barrel rye is produced in limited quantities in Kentucky, a state renowned for its exceptional whiskey production. Bottled at a strength of 92.8 proof (46.4% Alcohol by Volume), this rye is aged in fire-charred, new American white oak barrels, imparting a rich and complex flavour profile. On the palate, this rye offers deep notes of vanilla and toffee, toasted almonds and cinnamon, with an ample dose of crushed pepper and a hint of orange citrus. The result is a truly exceptional whiskey that showcases the brand's commitment to quality and attention to detail. Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye is a testament to the brand's legacy and expertise in producing outstanding whiskey. Its limited production and exceptional flavour profile make it a must-have for any whiskey connoisseur looking for a unique and complex tasting experience.
Kirin Fuji 50th Anniversary Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Product Description: This complex and multi-layered blend which is made from whisky aged between 10 and 50 years old. Only 3,000 bottles were released worldwide. Whisky Hall of Famer, Master Blender Jota Tanaka, has taken whisky from 1973, the distillery’s debut year, and selected the very best whisky from the following four decades to create a special limited edition release, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the distillery. A combination of ex-Bourbon, beer-aged, Oloroso Sherry, and red wine casks have been chosen for this blend to create a deliciously complex, multi-layered whisky. Non-chill filtered, all natural colour and coming in at 52% ABV, this liquid celebration of craftsmanship and finesse overflows with caramel, brown sugar syrup, apricot, melon, white peach tart, luscious barrel-aged flavours and lingering complexity with every sip. Maker: Mt. Fuji has been a sacred and inspirational landmark in Japan for countless generations. Throughout Japan's history, Mt. Fuji has been a symbol of faith and a wellspring of artistic inspiration. Mt. Fuji has long inspired art and reverence around the world and is home to Fuji Whisky. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Fuji-Gotemba Distillery has been pursuing the ideal whisky for many years. The beautiful experience created by JAPANESE WHISKY FUJI brings joy to life and sparks unforgettable moments of inspiration. Fuji Whisky embodies the captivating Mt. Fuji's natural beauty and the enduring tradition of craftsmanship. It's a fusion of these elements that creates a sense of "hope." 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. Since 1973, Fuji-Gotemba distillery has pioneered and created, combining whisky-making techniques from three countries into one distillery. The renowned Fuji brand, emblem of the distinctiveness of Fuji-Gotemba distillery, has given rise to three unique styles: Single grain, Single Malt, and Single Blended. Philosophy: Fuji Gotemba Distillery is no ordinary distillery, as it uniquely features multiple still types to produce four different types of whisk(e)y. There are pot stills for Scotch-style malt, and a range of column stills to make grain whiskies in the Bourbon, Canadian and Scotch styles. By integrating these with Kirin's brewing technology and expertise, Fuji Gotemba Distillery creates whiskies that are neither Scotch nor Bourbon, but rather a whisk(e)y to fit the culture and tastes of the people of Japan and lovers of Japanese whisky from around the world. Covering 520,000 square metres, Fuji Gotemba Distillery is the world's largest distillery. It features separate still rooms for the malt and grain stills and its own cooperage and bottling plant. Its unique setup allows it to produce single malts and single grains on site and the world's first-ever Single Blended Whisky. Water plays a vital role in high-quality whisky production. All the water used, of course, comes from Mt. Fuji, having fallen as snow before spending more than 50 years to reach the aquifer that runs 100m deep underground. The water, the climate, and the terroir result in a mellow and delicately fruity range of whiskies, every aspect of which is overseen by Master Blender Jota Tanaka. Tasting: Nose - Caramel, Melon, Apricots Sweet and fragrant aroma of caramel and brown sugar syrup with notes of apricot and melon. Palate - Smooth, White Peach, Dried Pineapple Mellow and smooth mouthfeel, sweet and aromatic with hints of dried pineapple and white peach tart. Finish - Lingering Complexity, Luscious, Woody Spice A spreading and lingering complex, luscious barrel-aged flavours with a pleasant sweetness.
Chichibu Distillery Ichiro's Malt & Grain 505 World Blended Whisky
Ichiro's Malt & Grain 505 World Blended Whisky is a special release of Ichiro's Malt & Grain. It was created to support the Japanese restaurants and bars during the COVID-19 crisis. The Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended 505 was initially sold only to bars and restaurants with limited amount leaving the country and bottled at a nice 50.5% ABV in comparison to the original Malt & Grain release. The whisky is blended by Ichiro Akuto, founder of the Chichibu Distillery. He travels to find casks to perfect his blend in addition to his Chichibu single malt. This is Non Chill-Filtered and Non Coloured.
Hakushu 12 Year Old House of Suntory 100 Years Ltd
This limited-edition bottle celebrating the 100th Anniversary pays tribute to House of Suntory’s unique design approach that brings ‘Monozukuri’ craftsmanship to life and grounds it as part of Japanese culture. This same relentless pursuit for quality, ingenuity, and expressiveness, has inspired the design of this centennial limited edition. The Hakushu 12 YO Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 12 years in various casks, created in honour of House of Suntory’s centenary. Nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, the Second-Generation Master Blender, Keizo Saji founded the Hakushu distillery. The blenders accepted the challenge of working with peat, made possible due to the distillery’s surrounding environment. The flavour was softened by the exceptionally pure mountain water, filtered through old granite rocks. This creates a fresh and gentle smoky single malt whisky, a revelation in Japanese single malts. Colour, Luminous Gold. Aroma, Vibrant with top notes of sage, ripe green apple, and hints of ripe pineapple. Palate, complex smoke revealing layers of herbal, grapefruit & acacia honey notes. Finish, Clean smoke that lingers with undernotes of fresh green citrus.