Japanese Whisky

Hakata Whisky is distilled and matured in Fukuoka, Japan by the Hikari Distillery (which was founded in 1912). The mash of the whisky is 100% barley. A fraction of this barley has been fermented with Koji providing healthy enzymes for fermentation and creating the highly sought after and delicious, savory taste known as Umami.

The Sherry casks this whisky is aged in are kept in traditional style warehouses as well as a few open-air warehouses where they are exposed to humid summertime temperatures of 95°F and winter temperatures of around 38°F. As a result, the whisky is bold and almost classical in flavor, retaining a freshness that is truly unique.

Hakata appeals to the most discerning whisky drinker as well as the casual enthusiast. The Sherry casks play a dominant role in this spirit, where Oak & Umami glosses over the palate and hugs the sides of the tongue. Its striking textural element and complex flavor take you on a timeless, elegant, and classic journey from beginning to end.

A true workhorse of the collection, the full flavor and authentic spirit-forward character of the Hakata 10 year old whisky introduces the distillery tone and elements in pure potential fashion.

At long last, Ichiro's Peated Single Malt Whisky has returned, produced by the esteemed Chichibu Distillery in Saitama, Japan, marking their first peated release in four years. Crafted with scrupulous attention to detail, 100% barley malt is used in this expression, which is malted, peated, milled, and mashed entirely in-house to achieve an unparalleled level of harmony and depth. The barley is peated to a robust 50 parts per million, adding a rich, smoky character to the whisky.

Meticulous fermentation takes place in Mizunara washbacks for 90-100 hours, further enriching the distinctive Japanese-malt character. Though non-age statement, this whisky is bottled without any additives or coloring, preserving its natural essence and showcasing the masterful distillation process. With a limited release of only 600 bottles in the US, this sought-after whisky is non-chill filtered and bottled at 53.5% ABV. Ichiro's Peated Single Malt Whisky is a testament to Chichibu Distillery's dedication to quality and tradition, and it offers aficionados a rare and unforgettable tasting experience that highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of Japanese single malt production.

• Lightly peated single malt Japanese whisky distilled by Akkeshi Distillery in Akkeshi, Japan
• 10^th release from Akkeshi’s 24 Sekki series
• Produced using sourced and locally grown Hokkaido barley, lightly peated
• Water sourced from the Homakai River; filtered through a layer of peat
• Double distilled in Forsythe copper pot stills
• Aged in a combination of Hokkaido Mizunara oak, ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-red wine barrels; non-age statement
• Butterscotch candy, temple incense, matcha green tea, and white chocolate on the nose precede a palate of Mandarin orange, dark chocolate, and sea salt with a lengthy, honeyed finish
• Non-chill filtered; 55% ABV

The 24 Japanese Sekki are days that divide the solar year into 24 equal micro seasons. Keichitsu, roughly translated to “life awakens,” starts in early March and is the season when the first new buds of spring begin to bloom. Evocative of the season’s first rays of soul-warming sunshine, this sprightly dram is as invigorating as those early spring days.

Taisetsu - The Great Snowfall is the 9th release in the 24 Seki Series from Akkeshi. It reflects the time when the days are shortest and mountains are covered in snow and the animals are hibernating. This single malt from Hokkaido's Akkeshi distillery displays all the beauty of winter citrus while abalnacin gits light aromas with the richness of Darjeeling tea, honey cakes, and umami. Aged in Hokkaido Mizunara barrels, ex bourbn, sherry, and red wine barrels.

This special Akashi single malt is aged for seven years exclusively in first fill ex-bourbon barrels and is the oldest we have seen state side from this small but mighty distillery. A rich nose full of marzipan, pecans, and peat smoke, layers wonderfully with its weighty palate. The flavor is packed with grilled figs, clove, vanilla cream, cocoa powder, and sea salt. The Akashi Single Malt 7yr Bourbon Barrel is sure to be a watermark for the distillery in years to come.

The Akkeshi Distillery, based on the northern island of Hokkaido, have been regularly releasing fantastic whiskies since their inception, all as part of their 24 Solar Terms Series. The 24 Solar Terms are a traditional Japanese concept that follow the lunar calendar. The year is divided into 24 seasons, or solar terms, including the likes of the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. Each whisky in the series has aimed to demonstrate the the effects each term has on whisky production and this new Seimei single malt is no different. Seimei is an abbreviation that means “clean, bright and lively”. 

The whisky inside is smooth and moreish, with notes of red berries, candied citrus peel, sweet honey and gentle spices that linger in the background. The label features an impressive dark green and blue colour palette that will make the bottle stand apart in any collection.