Japanese Whiskies

For nearly three centuries, Ichiro Akutos family brewed sake along the banks of the Tone River in Central Japan. Following the end of World War II, his family received a distillers license and purchased two second-hand stills from a Scottish distillery. By the turn of the century, however, his father had made the difficult decision to dismantle the stills and sell the 400 casks of remaining whisky that were still maturing in the distillerys rickhouses. Fueled by a belief in the potential for Japanese single malts, Ichiro purchased the casks from his father. Also, Ichiro began studying distillation techniques at Benriach and Springbank Distillery, before returning to Japan and constructing a state-of-the-art distillery in Chichibu.Ichiros Malt and Grain is blended by the king of independent Japanese distillers: Ichiro Akuto. Ichiros blend is a worldwide blended whisky in every sense of the word, a marriage of whiskies from Ichiros very own young malt and grain whisky stock, and whiskies from eight other distilleries in Scotland, Canada, England, Ireland and the U.S., which founder Ichiro Akuto refers to as, "the big five." These international whiskies mature for 3-5 years in their home country, and then for an additional 1-3 years in thecool climate ofmountainous Japan, which gives this blend incredible character. This whisky is clean on the nose with notes of fruit, vanilla and oak. Pick up your bottle today!

Kaiyo is a Japanese Mizunara oak aged whisky. What makes this spirit so special is the bespoke oak barrel selection. Mizunara oak is some of the most expensive wood available. The impeccable character of the wood imparts distinctive notes onto every spirit. However, its delicate wood grain nature makes it quite challenging to cooper. Kaiyo whisky is aged in handmade, bespoke Mizunara oak casks. These barrels are crafted from slow growth, air-seasoned wood from hand-selected trees. After the whisky is aged, it is finished at sea, imparting even more distinctive character the spirit. This unique sea voyage departs from Osaka Japan, and the journey can take up to 3 months. This whisky gets its exquisite character first and foremost from the Mizunara oak. The oaks lactones ratio and vanilla impart sweet, spicy, exotic notes of incense, sandalwood, and coconut. Other notes like tea and subtle hints of citrus appear all throughout the nose and palate. Pick up your bottle today!

Kikori was launched in the Fall of 2015 by Ann Soh Woods, an up and comer in the Japanese Whisky scene. Ann, founder and owner of Soh Spirits, is a bold spark of brilliance, with her fresh take on Japanese whisky. Her imaginative 100 percent rice based Japanese whisk(e)y -which she chose to spell with an e, to distinguish Kikori from other Japanese whiskies- won gold at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Bureau didnt know how to classify it at first, but it is a whiskey. It is similar to its cousin Shochu -a Japanese alcohol distilled from rice or sweet potatoes- but is served at a higher 41 percent ABV than shochus 25-35 percent.Woods had a fascination with whiskey, and her frequent trips to Japan, roused intrigue for the rituals and traditions of Japanese alcohols. Rice is a huge part of Japanese culture. By distilling whiskey from this prominent grain, Woods seeks to capture the spirit of Japan. This is how the imaginative whiskey was born. Introducing bold ideas like these into such a male dominated old school market like the whiskey industry had its challenges. It is always assumed that I am a sales representative when I visit accounts, and it is always a pleasant surprise when they find out I am the founder. Said Woods in an interview with Munchies Magazine.Not to mention overcoming language and cultural barriers. Kikori is distilled in Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu, Japan, the birthplace of Kikori. When approached with the unconventional idea for her Japanese whiskey, distillers were skeptical, but the new drink has gained popularity. Woods depended on a master distiller for the formula, and it has become a success.Kikori states that the rice is sourced locally from the Kumamoto rice paddy. Located alongside the Iwase River, Kumamoto has a distinct volcanic rich soil. The signature rice is cooked in giant steel steamers, and distilled using pure mountain water, the rice ""has been cultivated in southern Japan for over 2000 years in the nutrient rich, volcanic soil of Kyushu Island. The rice grows in the rich volcanic loam formed through eons of lava flow and ash deposits. Its distilled with fresh mountainous waters that flow through ancient volcanic rocks that are millions of years old. The rice gives it a unique aromatic profile with a floral and fragrant aroma and a velvety smoothness to the palate. No coloring or sugar is added, and it ages in American, French, and sherry oak anywhere from three to seven years. Pick up a bottle of Kikori today!

Situated in the Tottori Prefecture, northwest of the city of Kyoto on the shores of the Japan sea, Matsui Shuzou was founded in 1910. A coastal prefecture in southern Honshu known for its sand dunes, the Tottori prefecture is a wilderness packed with lush vegetation, rugged coastlines, rivers and lakes, characterized by its delicious, fresh ground water. Kurayoshi whiskies have signature mellow characteristics and an overall smooth flavor profile. A whisky that truly embodies the meaning of the name Kurayoshi: the city of water and green. Tottori is also very well-known for its soft mineral water and abundance of nature. Over 14 percent of the total land area of the prefecture is designated as a Natural Park. Matsui Shuzo is both a sake brewery and shochu distillery.Kurayoshi is a 100 percent malted barley whisky, sourced from distilleries around Scotland, before making their way to Japan, where it is blended with Japanese whisky, aged, and cut to proof with the soft ground waters of Tottori Prefecture. Kurayoshi 12 Year Old Malt Whisky has rich fragrant aromas, with notes of almonds and malt. 12 years of maturation is reflected in every mouth-coating sip. Vanillaand dried fruit are abundant on the palate with faint hint of smokiness. This whisky is an exceptional balance of tart and sweet, ending with a soft and smooth finish.Pick up your bottle today!

Situated in the Tottori Prefecture, northwest of the city of Kyoto on the shores of the Japan sea, Matsui Shuzou was founded in 1910. A coastal prefecture in southern Honshu known for its sand dunes, the Tottori prefecture is a wilderness packed with lush vegetation, rugged coastlines, rivers and lakes, characterized by its delicious, fresh ground water. Kurayoshi whiskies have signature mellow characteristics and an overall smooth flavor profile. A whisky that truly embodies the meaning of the name Kurayoshi: the city of water and green. Tottori is also very well-known for its soft mineral water and abundance of nature. Over 14 percent of the total land area of the prefecture is designated as a Natural Park. Matsui Shuzo is both a sake brewery and shochu distillery.Kurayoshi is a 100 percent malted barley whisky, sourced from distilleries around Scotland, before making their way to Japan, where it is blended with Japanese whisky, aged and cut to proof with the soft ground waters of Tottori Prefecture. Complex and depth in taste by allowing it to mature for more than 18 years. Deep flavor in the short term aging followed by a lingering rich aroma. A good and well-balanced pure malt whiskey with a mellow taste. Enjoy a cup of bliss (producer). Pick up your bottle today!

Situated in the Tottori Prefecture, northwest of the city of Kyoto on the shores of the Japan sea, Matsui Shuzou was founded in 1910. A coastal prefecture in southern Honshu known for its sand dunes, the Tottori prefecture is a wilderness packed with lush vegetation, rugged coastlines, rivers and lakes, characterized by its delicious, fresh ground water. Kurayoshi whiskies have signature mellow characteristics and an overall smooth flavor profile. A whisky that truly embodies the meaning of the name Kurayoshi: the city of water and green. Tottori is also very well-known for its soft mineral water and abundance of nature. Over 14 percent of the total land area of the prefecture is designated as a Natural Park. Matsui Shuzo is both a sake brewery and shochu distillery.Kurayoshi is a 100 percent malted barley whisky, sourced from distilleries around Scotland, before making their way to Japan, where it is blended with Japanese whisky, aged, and cut to proof with the soft ground waters of Tottori Prefecture. Kurayoshi 8 Year Old Malt Whisky is aged in whiteoak ex-bourbon barrels for over eight years. This aging process creates a more refined whisky with a depth of character, removing any unpleasant flavors, it causes the whisky to develop a ripeness and complexity in flavor. This 8-year-old malt whisky is packed with refreshing notes of citrus, and a sweet, soft, vanilla nuttiness. Pick up your bottle today!

Situated in the Tottori Prefecture, northwest of the city of Kyoto on the shores of the Japan sea, Matsui Shuzou was founded in 1910. A coastal prefecture in southern Honshu known for its sand dunes, the Tottori prefecture is a wilderness packed with lush vegetation, rugged coastlines, rivers and lakes, characterized by its delicious, fresh ground water. Kurayoshi whiskies have signature mellow characteristics and an overall smooth flavor profile. A whisky that truly embodies the meaning of the name Kurayoshi: the city of water and green. Tottori is also very well-known for its soft mineral water and abundance of nature. Over 14 percent of the total land area of the prefecture is designated as a Natural Park. Matsui Shuzo is both a sake brewery and shochu distillery.Kurayoshi is a 100 percent malted barley whisky, sourced from distilleries around Scotland, before making their way to Japan, where it is blended with Japanese whisky, aged and cut to proof with the soft ground waters of Tottori Prefecture.This 8-year-old whisky is aged with the underground waters of Daisen Mountains in carefully selected sherry casks, yielding rich aromas with deep flavors. This sherry malt is characterized by bright fruits such as pear and raisins. Its time in sherry casks lends a warmth to the whisky, offset by a beautifully refreshing fragrance.Pick up your bottle today!

Situated in the Tottori Prefecture, northwest of the city of Kyoto on the shores of the Japan sea, Matsui Shuzou was founded in 1910. A coastal prefecture in southern Honshu known for its sand dunes, the Tottori prefecture is a wilderness packed with lush vegetation, rugged coastlines, rivers and lakes, characterized by its delicious, fresh ground water. Kurayoshi whiskies have signature mellow characteristics and an overall smooth flavor profile. A whisky that truly embodies the meaning of the name Kurayoshi: the city of water and green. Tottori is also very well-known for its soft mineral water and abundance of nature. Over 14 percent of the total land area of the prefecture is designated as a Natural Park. Matsui Shuzo is both a sake brewery and shochu distillery.Kurayoshi is a 100 percent malted barley whisky, sourced from distilleries around Scotland, before making their way to Japan, where it is blended with Japanese whisky, aged, and cut to proof with the soft ground waters of Tottori Prefecture.Bottled at 46 percent ABV, Kurayoshi Pure Malt Whisky is aged for over three years in ex-bourbon white oak casks. The spirit has a soft malty, fragrance, aromatic and refreshing. On the palate are flavors of raisins, nuts, vanilla, anda balance of tart and sweet that harmoniously spread throughout your mouth.Pick up your bottle today!

Situated in the Tottori Prefecture, northwest of the city of Kyoto on the shores of the Japan sea, Matsui Shuzou was founded in 1910. A coastal prefecture in southern Honshu known for its sand dunes, the Tottori prefecture is a wilderness packed with lush vegetation, rugged coastlines, rivers and lakes, characterized by its delicious, fresh ground water. Kurayoshi whiskies have signature mellow characteristics and an overall smooth flavor profile. A whisky that truly embodies the meaning of the name Kurayoshi: the city of water and green. Tottori is also very well-known for its soft mineral water and abundance of nature. Over 14 percent of the total land area of the prefecture is designated as a Natural Park. Matsui Shuzo is both a sake brewery and shochu distillery.Kurayoshi is a 100 percent malted barley whisky, sourced from distilleries around Scotland, before making their way to Japan, where it is blended with Japanese whisky, aged and cut to proof with the soft ground waters of Tottori Prefecture.This Sherry Cask Japanese malt is aged in sherry casks for over three years, creating a single malt with sweet fruit and chocolate aromas. A harmonious balance of mouth coating sweet and tart flavors, enjoy this whisky neat, with a rock, or in your favorite cocktails. Pick up your bottle today!

Mars Shinshu is Japans highest whisky distillery, at 798 meters -just over 2,600 feet- nestled between Japans Southern and Central Alps. Mars Shinshu is owned by the Hombo family, who have been in the business of distillation for over a century. Whisky became a part of the Mars Shinshu production line up in 1949. In 1984, Shinshu decided to move their southernmost Kyushu distillery to the picturesque alpine Miyada village, where the high altitude and cool climate make for suitable conditions for whisky-making. The whisky is produced from waters that pass through granite rock, this water is high in natural minerals. This whisky is named after Kiichiro Iwai, known as The Silent Pioneer of Japan Whisky, and the former mentor of Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka and Suntory Whisky. Iwai sent Taketsuru to Scotland to learn the art of whisky-making. Taketsuru returned to Japan, presenting a whisky-making report- the Taketsuru Notes- to Iwai. Taketsuru was the first Japanese to learn the art of whisky-making. Mars Shinshus whiskies continue to be some of the most inexpensive Japanese whiskies on the market, and they are full of high quality character and complex flavor. Iwai Tradition, is a blended whisky, comprised of both single malts, grains, and blended whiskies. The whisky is then aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-wine casks, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Iwai Tradition is a special tribute to Iwai and Japanese Whisky. This is malt driven spirit is truly a reflection of contemporary Japanese whisky. Incredibly balanced, soft and layered. A blending of sherry, bourbon and wine casks with hints delicate hints of peat make for a harmonious whisky that would make Iwai-san proud. Pick a bottle of this Shinshu whisky today!

Ohishi is a unique family-run distillery situated on the banks of the Kuma River one Japans fastest flowing rivers renowned for its superior water quality. Founded in 1872 the distillery sits in the Southwest of Japan, nestled in an idyllic mountainous countryside. They grow a distinct strain of rice at this majestic distillery called "gohyakumanishi" (5 million stones), using a unique organic style of cultivation that incorporates koi carp.One of the oldest distilleries in Japan, Ohishi, primarily known for their sake and shochu production, also crafts one-of-a-kind whiskies. The spirit is distilled from 30 percent estate grown gohyakumanishi, and mochi rice Kumamoto in traditional Japanese stainless steel pot stills before being filled into ex-sherry and brandy casks. Ohishi is aged for extended periods of time in the high altitude warehouses, yielding a harmonious brandy influence.Ohishi Brandy Single Cask Whisky is a marriage a few hand-selected casks of whisky matured in ex-brandy barrels. The brandy influence imparts elegant notes of soft oak, vanilla, pineapple with just a touch of rancio, complimenting a silky rice complexity.Pick up your bottle today!

Ohishi is a unique family-run distillery situated on the banks of the Kuma River -one Japans fastest flowing rivers, renowned for its superior water quality. Founded in 1872 the distillery sits in the Southwest of Japan, nestled in an idyllic mountainous countryside. They grow a distinct strain of rice at this majestic distillery called gohyakumanishi (5 million stones), using a unique organic style of cultivation that incorporates koi carp.Primarily known for their sake and shochu production, Ohishi also crafts one-of-a-kind whiskies, which are distilled in traditional Japanese stainless steel pot stills before being filled into ex-sherry and brandy casks. Ohishi is aged for extended periods of time in the high altitude warehouses, yielding a balanced sherry influence, effectively producing a spirit that resembles more of a Scotch than anything else. Ohishi Sherry Cask is a blend of casks ranging from 3 to 25 years old. The whiskys signature, elegant profile is further enhanced by notes of dried tropical fruit, toasted hazelnut, golden raisins, and sweet marzipan. This special sherried expression also received 92 Excellent, Highly Recommended from the Beverage Tasting Institute in 2017, and 92 Points, Excellent, Highly Recommended for the Japanese Whisky category at the USC Awards.Pick up your bottle today!

In February 1899, Shinjiro Torii opened a store in Osaka, Japan that traded in imported wines. Within a decade, Torii began producing his own sweet grape wine called Akadama Port Wine, which became wildly popular throughout the country. In 1923, Torri fascinated by whisky his entire life decided to expand his business and began construction of the Yamazaki Distillery, Japans first-ever whisky distillery.Although inspired by traditional Scottish distilleries, Torii envisioned a uniquely Japanese approach to whisky and chose a location for his distillery that offered a climate and terrain that were completely different than those of Scotland. Nestled on the periphery of Kyoto, Yamazaki Distillery is situated at the confluence of three rivers the Katsura, Uji and Kizu that provide the warm, damp environment ideal for the production and maturation of whisky.Fifty years after the construction of Yamazaki Distillery, Keizo Saji inherited his fathers vision and constructed Suntorys second distillery. Situated amidst the deep forests of Mount Kaikomagatake in Japans southern Alps, the Hakushu Distillery enjoys a unique microclimate as a result of being surrounded by nearly 6,000 varieties of plants and thousand-year-old granite rocks.Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky is a unique marriage of whiskies from Hakushu and Yamazki distilleries, as well as Chita Distillery, a single grain distillery in Aichi Prefecture on the Pacific coast of Japan. While the majority of Suntorys blends use malt whisky from Yamazaki as their main ingredient, Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo wanted to try a new approach for Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, utilizing Hakushu malt whisky aged in American white oak and Chita heavy-type grain whisky as the blends two pillars. Finally, Fukuyo adds both American white oak-aged and Spanish oak-aged malt whisky from Yamazaki, providing the blend with even more flavor and complexity.By pairing these seemingly dissimilar but deeply accordant whiskies, Fukuyos insight overturned the old relationship between malt and grain and created a blend that is both groundbreaking and timeless, says Suntory.Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky has a clear golden color and aromas of fresh basil, green apple and clover honey. The palate is filled with bittersweet citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and green grapes, as well as pungent herbs like peppermint, thyme and rosemary. The finish, which is subtle and slightly sweet, leaves an impression of vanilla and ginger which lingers endlessly.Pick up your bottle of Toki today!