Dedication and perfection has been a consistent lifestyle in Japanes culture. From a young age to adulthood, the Samurai would train their bodies and spirits rigorously, and serve with high loyalty to their masters. 140 years of the same discipline crafted this specialty Yamato Black Samurai whisky.

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

Dedication and perfection has been a consistent lifestyle in Japanese culture. From a young age to adulthood, the Samurai would train their bodies and spirits rigorously, and serve with high loyalty to their masters. 140 years of the same discipline crafted this specialty Yamato Gold Samurai whisky.

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

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.

Perfectly balanced with heather honey, sweet caramel, Japanese plum, balanced oak, peat and toffee with hints of sandalwood and green tea. Non chill-filtered at 48% alcohol to keep its natural flavors at maximum. Blended at its peak flavor, rather than a predetermined ratio. As a result, each batch is unique and limited with stocks.

OUR WHISKY

We wanted to celebrate the timeless alcohol tradition of the region by blending a Japanese style whisky that harmonizes Japanese nature and artisanship.

OUR BLEND

We choose rare Japanese malt whiskies, finest malt whiskies from the rest of the world and fuse this unique blend with the highest quality pure spring water from Japan.

OUR CITY

Our story takes place in a truly ancient land, one of spiritual and carnal harmony, in the temples of Nara in Japan. The ancient capital of Japan, Nara holds many temples from the 8th century that imperturbably give the holy capital its power.

OUR SHRINE

Ōmiwa Shrine in Nara is one of Japan's oldest extant Shinto shrines. It is a tutelary shrine of the Japanese alcohol producers. Most well-known alcohol producer families are in Nara and these families have a centuries-old tradition of producing alcohol for Ōmiwa.
The alcohol produced by these families is served as blessings at Shinto temples.

OUR NAME

The Ōmiwa Shrine lies at the foot of Mount Miwa, a holy mountain guarded by the shrine. Mount Miwa has many legends, and has been worshiped from ancient times as a sacred Mountain of the God. Inspired by beautiful breezes coming from the Mountain of the God, we named our whisky KAMIKI whereby "KAMI" means "GOD" and "IKI" means "BREATH".

This Hayashi Single Grain whisky beautifully exemplifies a Japanese whisky evolved from rich traditions of the Ryukyu islands. The highest quality indica rice is fermented, as it has been for centuries to make awamori, then rests in barrels amidst the lush Okinawa air, accelerating and invigorating its maturation. The result is a magnificent single grain whisky that expresses a powerful profile with tropical and flavors unique only to the Hayashi name.

Origin: Okinawa, Japan

Mash: 100% Japanese Indica Rice, Black Koji

No caramel color added

Like the forests along Okinawa’s shores, Hayashi 24 is an expression of the land it comes from. Crafted with indica rice and bourbon casks, Hayashi transforms a 500-year-old awamori tradition into a radiant 24-year-old whisky.

Origin: Okinawa, Japan

Mash: 100% Japanese Indica Rice, Black Koji

No caramel color added

The story within this bottle begins 500 years ago, along the shores of Okinawa’s iconic Ryukyu islands, where indica rice was fermented into the beloved native indulgence of awamori. The Hayashi 8 Year grows these same roots in new, revitalized soil. A single grain whisky aged eight years in bourbon casks is enriched by island air to a masterful oak and caramel complexity, flourished with tropical flavors unique only to the Hayashi name.

Origin: Okinawa, Japan

Mash: 100% Japanese Indica Rice, Black Koji

No caramel color added

The Japanese dragon is a powerful being that controls water and rains. They are believed to bring luck and symbolize power, strength, and authority, and are much more human and demonstrate human emotions and experiences. Ryūjin, the deity of the sea in Japanese myths, is one of the most important of all Japanese dragons. He represents the power of the ocean and was a patron of Japan. Considering that the sea and seafood are important for Japanese livelihood, Ryūjin plays a significant role in Japanese culture and history, and is believed to be one of the forefathers of the Japanese imperial dynasty. Recognizing the most significant dragon in Japanese culture gave rise to the bold and vibrant flavors of the Ryūjin whiskey.

TASTING NOTES: Fruity and floral notes throughout the taste, with honey, orange peel, and white chocolate flavors. Mellow finish with a hint of oak.

HIBIKI "BLOSSOM HARMONY" 2022 LIMITED EDITION

Hibiki means “Resonance” in Japanese. From its launch in 1989 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Suntory, Hibiki embodies the Suntory philosophy to live in harmony with nature and people. As the Founding House of Japanese Whisky and A House of Master Blenders, the House of Suntory has gone to great lengths to explore the breadth and depth of what Harmony can mean for a blend. Every Hibiki expression is one of the most sought after blends in the world where every Hibiki expression is meticulously crafted for us to discover a different kind of Harmony. Achieving the right balance and orchestration proved to be a great challenge from the start since the Sakura cask is one with strong character that can easily become overbearing.

After much trial and error, we found that the grain whiskies finished in the Sakura cask best elevated the overall balance as a Blossoming Harmony slowly unfolding. The end result is a particularly unique expression of Hibiki. The invitation of an enticing floral bouquet, followed by the signature Hibiki depth and complexity of honey, candied orange peel, jasmine and chocolatey decadence, all climaxing to a surprising finish of bitter sweet spicy notes.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR:  Amber

NOSE: Rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood

PALATE: Honey like sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate

FINISH: Subtle, tender long finish, with hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak)

This blend from Matsui was launched in 2019 for the Japanese market. Homemade malt whiskey and purchased grain whiskeys from Scotland are used. They mature in barrels of American oak before being married to each other. A mild and fruity blend from the house of Matsui.

Barrel ageing has infused Sanin with a faint vanilla aroma and fruity notes of pair on the finish. The fresh, underground water of Mount Daisen delivers a smooth, mellow taste in this light and refreshing whisky.

AWARDS

International Spirits Challenge 2020 Japanese Blends No Age Statement - Gold

SanFrancisco World Spirits Competition 2020 - Gold

Each bottle’s whisky is aged for a minimum of 3 years in ex-bourbon casks and features some of the most unique flavors Japanese whisky has to offer: gentle oak, no peat, honeycomb, tropical fruit, and toasted coconut.

Miyagikyo Single Malt is a range of single malt expressions from the Miyagikyo Distillery. Nikka's founder Masataka Taketsuru chose a valley in the Miyagi prefecture as the site for his second distillery, and started its operation in 1969. He aimed to make a complete contrast between the two distilleries, Miyagikyo and Yoichi, with different natural environments and production methods.Miyagikyo malts are described as elegant and fruity. Made from light peated and non-peated malted barley, whiskies distilled in pot stills heated by indirect steam express a signature fruitiness and delicate mouthfeel.

Masahiro Distillery est. 1883

Dark and velvety, like the midnight sky, this bold single grain whisky packs a long finish so you can make the evening last.

OKINAWA RANGE

Exclusively distilled, matured in first-fill Fino & Manzanilla Sherry Casks, and bottled at our Masahiro Distillery in Okinawa, Japan (est. 1883) with tasting notes of caramel & chocolate covered macadamia nuts.

AWARDS

92 Points - International Wine and Spirit competition

92 Points - Ultimate Spirits Challenge

92 Points - Whisky Advocate

Tomoe Gozen, the most feared female samurai in Japanese history, was just as as ruthless as she was beautiful. Legend says that she led as many as 1,000 soldiers on the battlefield, being a top military leader in the 13th century. Her weapon of choice was a long curved blade called a naginata, and a short dagger called a kaiken. Tomoe translates to “comma”, and is a comma-like swirl shape on Japanese family crests, a pattern that she wore on her samurai shoulder pads. Gozen is an ancient title given to women of honor.

An homage to this fierce female warrior, this specially made Japanese whisky is crafted at the Yamanashi Prefecture Distillery. Aged 8 years in Mizunara oak barrels, with transfer into a single vat for additional aging. Composed of 60% grain whisky and 40% malt. Warm gold color with notes of honey, fruit, vanilla, and oak. Exotic flavors of red apple, flan, coconut, marzipan, vanilla, and rum cake, with a medium length finish.

Yamato was created by Aiko Importers after learning of excess barrels of Japanese Whisky at one of the largest distilleries in the Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan, located southwest of Tokyo on the main island of Honshu. Aiko Importers was able to acquire the whisky, and under Japanese authority, develop Yamato, as an exclusive, small batch brand.

The Japanese characters on the label translate to the words; "great harmony"....the perfect description for the rich whisky. According to the distillery, the Yamato is a blend of malted Scotch whisky and a distillate made from select grain grown in the Yamanashi Prefecture.

The Kofu Basin, a land-locked, fertile central valley, is surrounded by many of the highest mountains in Japan including the world renowned Mt. Fuji. The mini-climate created by these geographical features and fertile soil slows the maturation of the grains imparting a unique richness of flavor. The cold winters and firey summers intensify the aging process of the whisky, imparting flavor and boldness to the blend. To maintain the natural character of the whisky, it is not chill filtered. Yamato is a blend of 3 to 8 year whisky aged in Mizunara Oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Distinct licorice - bourbon notes with near perfect toasted honeycomb and toffee aromas.

Taste: Outstanding richness and sheen with a plump barley-oak sweetness. Light anise and molasses add a pleasurable dimension. Vanilla, nougat and hazelnuts.

Finish: Round Vanilla, soft oak, toffee, mid-palate dryness

Bushido Series Whisky is known for bringing highly sought after Japanese whiskies to the US market. This time in the form of a 15-year-old pure malt. You'll experience flavors mirroring REI pure malt but intensified. Explosions of tropical fruit, especially pineapple, from the start, then gentle oak from the 15 years spent in ex-bourbon casks, and a finish of smoothness with little to no burn. 

Maker Notes

We wanted to celebrate the timeless alcohol tradition of the region by blending a Japanese-style whisky that harmonizes Japanese nature and artisanship. We choose rare Japanese malt whiskies, finest malt whiskies from the rest of the world and fuse this unique blend with the highest quality pure spring water from Japan.

Intense Wood

Exclusive version of Kamiki aged longer in Cedat casks for more intense taste lovers.

Ultimate Spirit Challenge 2019

Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation! Demure aromas of freshly cut wood and button mushrooms are decidedly earth drive. Much more intense on the palate the flavors explode with toasted tobacco, sweet cinnamon, and background notes of cedar. finally finishing with roasted honey spiked grains

Recent Awards

DOUBLE GOLD from 2022 Cigar & Spirits Magazine Competition

GOLD Medal from 2022 Spirits Business World Whisky Masters

SILVER Medal from International Spirits Challenge 2022

TASTE THE WORLD’S FIVE MOST CELEBRATED WHISKY REGIONS

Ireland. Scotland. America. Canada. Japan. The world’s most prestigious whisky regions, each with its unique history and climate, reveal their personality traits through our remarkable Ao world blended whisky. A blend that after nearly a century of challenges and triumphs, you can taste today. 

Unlike our other blends that find harmony by unifying individual whisky personalities, Suntory World Whisky Ao achieves harmony at its base while layering and highlighting a multitude of characteristics. The result offers aromas and flavors that change and evolve, depending on when and how you drink it. However you choose to enjoy Ao Whisky, we invite you to experience it today.

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.

TASTING NOTES:

DRIED FRUITS WITH NUTMEG AND CHRISTMAS CAKE