In 1895, Masataka Taketsuru the father of Japanese Whisky was born in the small town of Takehara, Japan. At the time, Masataka's family owned a sake brewery, and in preparing to carry on the family trade, Masataka studied chemistry and biology at Osaka Technical High School. After graduating from high school, Masataka showed more interest in whisky than sake, and in 1918, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, becoming the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky-making. While in Scotland, Masataka took chemistry courses during the day while apprenticing at distilleries at night, learning to distill and blend whisky first-hand at some of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. In 1920, Masataka returned to Japan, and within the decade, had produced the country's first single malt whisky. In 1934, Masataka moved to the town of Yoichi and opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Co. In 1960, as the Yoichi Distillery was reaching capacity, Masataka began searching for another suitable location in Japan to open a second distillery. Following a three-year search, Masataka found a wide forest valley at the junction of the Hirosegawa and Nikkawagawa rivers. The localized humidity from the rivers and surrounding hills, together with the quality of water from Nikkawagawa River, created the perfect location for a second distillery, which he named Miyagikyo. Nikka Days is a celebration of the distillery's unique position somewhere between the east and west cultures, nature and humanity, tradition and innovation, where each day represents a learning opportunity. The smooth and gentle blended whisky is lightly peated and comes from Nikka's both main distilleries. It's a combination of grain and malt spirits: Coffey Grain, Miyagikyo Malt, as well as some Coffey Malt and Yoichi Malt. 

The Fukano Distillery stands in Hitoyoshi City on the island of Kyushu, Japan. It was founded in 1823 and is located in the Kyushu mountain region that is famed for its pristine nature and exceptionally-pure water. The first distillery in the Kumamoto Prefecture to mature the traditional Japanese rice spirit shochu in barrels, this process was first put into practice by Chizuru Fukano, the current president's mother. Now in their fifth generation of Fukanos, the distillery is led by Shigeruriku Fukano. Their whisky is produced using a combination of malted and unmalted rice using a pot still. The limited-edition releases see only a few casks bottled each year, which include spirits that have been aged in various oak casks. Distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan, Fukano whiskies are only sold in export markets. The Fukano 2020 Edition is bottled at 81.2 proof and boasts a complex profile with tropical fruit, rice, spices, vanilla, and caramel notes. 

The opening of a unique whisky to the world

Elegant, smooth, and easy to enjoy, our whisky enhances the pleasure of relaxing moments spent with friends, family and loved ones. From the curious amateur to the local connoisseur, Hatozaki appeals to everyone in a delightfully welcoming way.

Hatozaki was named after the oldest stone lighthouse in Japan, a symbol of safety and guidance listed as a Historical Monument. With a design strongly inspired by the delicate naturalistic art of the Edo era (1603-1868), Hatozaki also incorporates a deep respect for the whisky of Scotland, the country that pioneered the spirit.

Hatozaki Finest Blended Japanese Whisky is a wise choice for both highballs and straight pours, this product, with a minimum malt whisky content of 40%, has a delicate roundness with a rich backbone of malt whisky, offering cereal notes and a gentle sweetness. Aged for up to 12 years and created through a two-stage blending process, it is never colored or unchill-filtered.

Properties
Unpeated, delicate and floral. It offers a balanced feel in the mouth, with an aromatic palate and floral notes. The style is elegant and light, carrying significant depth from the malted barley.

The Shinobu 10 Year Old Pure Malt is meticulously crafted using a blend of malt whiskies sourced from various renowned distilleries across Japan. This blend of carefully selected whiskies is then aged for a minimum of 10 years, allowing the flavors to mature and harmonize over time.

On the nose, the whisky reveals a complex and inviting aroma. Notes of dried fruits, such as raisins and figs, intertwine with hints of caramel and vanilla, creating a captivating bouquet. Subtle undertones of oak and a touch of spice add depth and intrigue to the overall olfactory experience.

Upon tasting, the Shinobu 10 Year Old Pure Malt offers a remarkable balance of flavors. The dried fruit notes continue to shine, accompanied by a delightful sweetness of honey and toffee. Layers of rich vanilla and oak contribute to the whisky's smooth and velvety texture, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that envelops the palate.

The finish of this Japanese whisky is long and satisfying, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingers. The combination of fruitiness, sweetness, and subtle spiciness ensures a memorable and enjoyable drinking experience.

The Shinobu 10 Year Old Pure Malt is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Shinobu Distillery in crafting exceptional Japanese whiskies. Each bottle represents a culmination of years of aging and blending, resulting in a whisky that captures the essence of Japanese whisky-making traditions.

Nikka From The Barrel is a blended whisky which was released in 1985. The development of this expression started with an aim to deliver full flavors and richness of whisky like "from the barrel", which only blenders can sniff and taste. The secret behind its gorgeous flavor is the unique combination of complex blending, higher ABV 51.4% and "marriage" process. The iconic square bottle reflects its concept "a small block of whisky" and embodies the intense and rich flavors of the whisky inside. Long after its launch, this bottle is still timeless and recognized for its ultimate simplicity.

The complex formula is created by blending more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies. After blending, the whisky is filled into used barrels and matured for another few months. This "marriage" process harmonizes all components in the formula, resulting in a mellow taste. Bottling is controlled at 51.4% ABV, almost equivalent to 90 British proof, that Nikka blenders determined through repeated experiments to achieve the ideal taste profile.

Discover the Rich Flavors of Nikka from the Barrel Japanese Whisky - Unveiling the Perfect Blend of Tradition and Excellence! Get Your Bottle Today.

Kujira Whisky 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is a single grain whisky whose originality is to be made from 100% indica long grain rice fermented with yeast like whisky and black Koji, a variety unique to the Okinawa islands, distilled in traditional stills according to the manufacturing method inherited from awamori, the traditional spirit of the region.

This Kujira whisky is a blend of single grains aged for 12 years in Sherry casks only, under a subtropical climate whose influence is expressed through a tasting profile balanced between sweetness and complexity.

At the opening it is first the notes of rum, cognac, molasses and corn that express themselves followed in the mouth by the sweetness of fruity aromas of blueberry and dried fruit. In the finish, we note the lightness and sweetness of its aromatic profile that persists until the last moment.

Distilled, aged and bottled in Japan, this single grain is a creation of the Kumesen Syuzo distillery located in the south of Japan in the tropical archipelago of Okinawa, formerly known as the kingdom of Ryukyu. 

Both whisky and awamori, the single grain rice whiskies also called Ryukyu whiskies, represent an enriching blend of age-old know-how.

About the Brand

Founded in 1823, Fukano Distillery is located in Hitoyoshi City, of the Kumamoto Prefecture of Japan on the island of Kyushu. Hitoyoshi is surrounded by mountains and is known for its pure water and nature. Shigeruriku Fukano is the fifth generation of his family to run the distillery. They use a combination of malted and un-malted rice to make their whisky in a pot still. These releases are very limited in nature and only a few casks are bottled each year. For 2016 they have released a few single new oak casks and also one white label marriage of sherry and new oak casks. Fukano Distillery makes a wonderful whisky that is sold in export markets only and is not to be considered as a Japanese Whisky. It is a Whisky that is distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan.

Our Process

LOCALLY GROWN RICE, A PURE WATER SOURCE & CHARRED BARRELS

Because rice is a clean, sulfurless, distillate it doesn’t require copper stills to produce a drinkable beverage and is instead distilled in stainless steel still and distilled at a relatively low proof. After distillation the shochu, which would be called new make outside of Japan, is then transferred to new charred oak barrels and laid to rest in a warehouse that more closely resembles a Scottish dunnage than a Kentucky Rickhouse.

Fukano 10 Years old Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color : Warm Gold.

Nose / Aroma / Smell: The aroma is delicate but thick with florals, mixed citrus, and sandalwood.

Flavor / Taste / Palate: The palate opens up with a silky complexity stretching from exotic spices and mint to white plum and marmalade.

Finish: The palate is medium length and lingers with notes of marzipan and raisins.

ALL OHISHI WHISKIES ARE FIRST MATURED IN EITHER SHERRY OR EX-BRANDY CASKS BEFORE BEING BOTTLED OR GOING INTO THEIR FINISHING CASKS. 

BECAUSE RICE WHISKY IS SO ELEGANT AND SOFT, IT HAS THE ABILITY TO TAKE ON CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CASK TYPE VERY QUICKLY. NO WHISKY IS RELEASED BEFORE IT IS READY AS DETERMINED BY KAZUNORI OISHI.

THE SAKURA (CHERRY BLOSSOM) TREES USED FOR THE CASKS ARE GROWN LOCALLY IN KUMAMOTO

​TASTING NOTES:

MILD OAK SPICE, CRÈME BRULEE. THE FINISH LINGERS ON THE PALATE IN A LOVELY MANNER.

Yoichi Single Malt is a range of single malt expressions from the Yoichi Distillery, Nikka's first distillery built in 1934. The founder Masataka Taketsuru chose the town of Yoichi in Hokkaido because of the similar environmental conditions to Scotland, where he learned whisky-making. Yoichi malts are described as bold and strong with refined peaty notes and smokiness brought by the traditional direct coal-fired distillation. Sea breeze from the Ishikari Bay delivers a briny hint to the whisky during maturation.

One of two limited edition single malts released by Nikka to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Miyagikyo Distillery. This one comes from the Yoichi Distillery, which produces a style of whisky that pair very well with the whisky from Miyagikyo. Made with a selection of whiskies from five different decades, this expression comes presented in a snazzy black bottle.

Introducing Nankai Gold, a premium blended Shochu meticulously crafted on Amami Island, Japan. This exceptional spirit is the result of a harmonious blend of matured and cask-aged kokuto, also known as "black sugar," Shochu from our renowned distillery. With an elegant smoothness, Nankai Gold delights the senses with its rich layers of fruity, floral, and malty aromas, complemented by subtle hints of raisins, chocolates, and honey. Enjoy the rarity and exquisiteness of this drink either neat or on the rocks.

Nankai Gold has earned the highest accolades, winning the prestigious Master Medal in the shochu category. This 43% ABV blend combines artisan black sugar Shochus, distilled from a blend of black sugar (80%) and rice (20%), carefully produced only on Amami Island. The production process involves handcrafting each Shochu from just four natural ingredients: sugarcane, rice, koji yeast, and water. A portion of the blend undergoes vacuum distillation to achieve a smooth and delicious finish, thanks to the unique qualities of the vacuum stills.

Our skilled artisans then age the select Shochus for up to 5 years in American white oak and French Limousin casks before blending them into Nankai Gold. The result is an extraordinary and complex drinking experience that demands attention and appreciation. Embracing tradition, Nankai Gold is a handcrafted, cask-aged Shochu, a beloved Japanese distilled spirit. It sets itself apart from whiskey through the use of "koji" in the fermentation process and single-distillation, which preserves the sumptuous flavors and aromas of the source grain.

For lovers of Japanese whiskeys, Nankai Gold offers a fascinating fusion of the beauty of Shochu and whiskey-making, all elegantly combined within this stunning bottle.

Yoichi Single Malt is a range of single malt expressions from the Yoichi Distillery, Nikka's first distillery built in 1934. The founder Masataka Taketsuru chose the town of Yoichi in Hokkaido because of the similar environmental conditions to Scotland, where he learned whisky-making. Yoichi malts are described as bold and strong with refined peaty notes and smokiness brought by the traditional direct coal-fired distillation. Sea breeze from the Ishikari Bay delivers a briny hint to the whisky during maturation. This limited edition of Non-Peated Yoichi single malt was introduced in 2021 as the first of the “Nikka Discovery” series. In anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary, the series offers an inside look at the various experiments in the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced over the years. This expression is comprised solely of unpeated malts as opposed to the preconceived “peaty” image of Yoichi. It offers a delicate balance of bright fruitiness and rich mouthfeel, along with its distinctive smokiness generated by coal-fired distillation.

WORLD WHISKY - Niigata, Japan

Crowned The Best Asian Whisky in the World at the 2023 International Wine & Spirit Competition, Shibui Pure Malt 10Yr is an exquisite marriage of malt whiskies matured for at least 10 years in American Ex-Bourbon Barrels & European Oloroso Sherry Casks before a final finish in rare Japanese Mizunara Oak.

TASTING NOTES: COFFEE | RICH DARK CHOCOLATE | SPICED OAK

Yoichi Single Malt is a range of single malt expressions from the Yoichi Distillery, Nikka's first distillery built in 1934. The founder Masataka Taketsuru chose the town of Yoichi in Hokkaido because of the similar environmental conditions to Scotland, where he learned whisky-making. Yoichi malts are described as bold and strong with refined peaty notes and smokiness brought by the traditional direct coal-fired distillation. Sea breeze from the Ishikari Bay delivers a briny hint to the whisky during maturation.

The Japanese public preferred a softer, smoother, less-smokey version of whisky, and their master distillers worked tirelessly to cater to the public's flavor profile. The result, a whisky that rivals even the legendary scotches because of the quality and never before seen flavor and finishes. Not to mention Japan made the whisky Highball famous due to the light, sweet, and floral whiskies effect on sparkling water. 

Yamato does just that, pairing perfectly with the traditional Japanese whisky flavor profile. You can witness a silky smooth finish, beautiful fruits, and vanillas from the start. Yamato is your entrance into the world of high-end Japanese whisky. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a highball.

Our Okinawa range celebrates a vibrant Japanese distilling history spanning over 600 years and builds upon it with a bold, contemporary vision. Exclusively distilled, matured, and bottled in this sub-tropical island, the character of our award-winning single grain whiskies remains unmatched.

SINGLE GRAIN WHISKY

Kumesen Distillery est. 1952

The undisputed sherry on top, this single grain whisky is as close to perfection as it gets. Take your time to savor each sip.

Kura The Whisky is a blended malt whisky produced by Helios and bottled at 40% ABV. It's made in the southernmost region of Japan and aged in American White Oak. The whisky is finished in Japanese rum casks. 

It has notes of sour and toasted grains, banana, cinnamon, and vanilla. It's described as fairly young, grainy, peaty, pungent, and spicy. It doesn't have an age statement. 

Kura The Whisky is a variation of a blended malt whisky that's finished in casks that previously held rum. 

Founded in 1952, the Kumesen Syuzo Distilling Co began distilling spirits made from Long Grain Indica Rice and fermented with native Black Koji. By 1989 Kumesen began to finish their product in Bourbon casks and Kujira was born. Now after 20 years of aging, Kujira Single Grain Rice Whisky has been perfected. Where others supplement grain whisky to increase production, Kujira Single Grain 20 Year is 100% Japanese with Rice from a single distillery, produced in small batches with the same ingredients and centuries old tradition that make Okinawa special.

RYUKYU IS TO JAPANESE RICE WHISKY AS KENTUCKY IS TO BOURBON
The Ryukyu region of Japan is quickly becoming the hub for quality Japanese Whisky due to the pure water supply and ancient techniques.

Founded in 1952, the Kumesen Syuzo Distilling Co began distilling spirits made from Long Grain Indica Rice and fermented with native Black Koji. By 1989 Kumesen began to finish their product in Bourbon casks and Kujira was born. Now after 20 years of aging, Kujira Single Grain Rice Whisky has been perfected. Where others supplement grain whisky to increase production, Kujira Single Grain 20 Year is 100% Japanese with Rice from a single distillery, produced in small batches with the same ingredients and centuries old tradition that make Okinawa special.

RYUKYU IS TO JAPANESE RICE WHISKY AS KENTUCKY IS TO BOURBON
The Ryukyu region of Japan is quickly becoming the hub for quality Japanese Whisky due to the pure water supply and ancient techniques.

Yamato Red Samurai Edition pairs perfectly with the traditional Japanese whisky flavor profile. You can witness a silky smooth finish, beautiful fruits, and vanilla from the start. Yamato is your entrance into the world of high-end Japanese whisky.