Whisky from Japan

Region: Japan

Distillery: Chichibu

Age: 10 Years

ABV: 50.5%

Cask: various

Size: 700 ml

The first official 10-year bottling from the Chichibu Distillery and hence called "The First Ten" was originally supposed to be released so as to coincide with the 2020 Olympics in Japan. There have been other special, single cask, exclusive releases of 10 years old whisky from Chichibu but this is expected to be forming a part of their regular lineup going forward (similar to On The Way, which was supposed to be capturing their journey towards this very milestone).

Fresh and fruity on the nose coming together with smooth honey on the palate eventually leading to a brilliantly long finish to savour. Some of the malt included in this bottling was grown locally in Chichibu.  For Chichibu fans, this should truly be a milestone to experience. 

The First Ten is bottled at 50.5% ABV, and 5000 bottles were released in November 2020. Bottle number in image for reference only. Rated 5 Stars / 90 points on Whiskyfun.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Miyagikyo

Age: 04.10.1999 - 09.07.2013 (Over 13 years)

ABV: 61% (Cask Strength)

Cask: Hogshead

Size: 700 ml

Region: Japan

Distillery: Yamazaki/Chita/Grain

Age: 25 Years

ABV: 43% 

Cask: Various

Size: 750 ml

A predecessor to the Hibiki releases, the Suntory Prestige was bottled in 1989 to celebrate Suntory's 90th Anniversary. Most of the malt in this bottling reportedly came from the Yamazaki Distillery combined with grain whisky. An extremely well balanced blend bringing forth cooked fruits, plums, raisins, toffee with a subtle hint of oak and tobacco. Bottled in a Kagami Crystal decanter.

Please note the condition of the box and the level of the whisky given the bottling vintage. Sold in "As Is" Condition.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Hanyu (Closed)

Age: 15 Years

ABV: 46.5%

Cask: unknown

Size: 700 ml

A release from the final operation year of Hanyu Distillery in 2000. Aged for 15 years and bottled without coloring and chill-filtration. 3710 bottles were released.  Bottle number in the image is for reference only.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Yamazaki

ABV: 48%

Cask: Spanish Oak

Size: 700ml

This Yamazaki Single Malt is one of Yamazaki 2020 limited edition series release on Nov. 2020. It was matured in Spanish oak sherry cask. Spanish Oak casks tend to contain more natural tannins and maturation in these casks results in richer flavours than American Oak casks. This limited release was matured in oak casks from Northern Spain, which were previously used to mature sherry.

Color: Deep red amber Nose: Raisins and sun dried tomatoes. Palate: Concentrated sweetness balanced with acidity and rich fruity aromas Finish: Lingering acidity with dark chocolate bitterness.

Please note that the lip of the box has been torn. Additional images available on request. Sold in "As Is" condition.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Hanyu (Closed)

Age: 2000 - 2014

ABV: 57%

Cask: Bourbon

Size: 700 ml

This Japanese single malt from the Hanyu Distillery is a single cask #923 released in 2014 from the final year 2000 of Hanyu Distillery's operation. Matured in Bourbon Barrel and bottled by Mr. Ichiro Akuto (Ichiro's Malt).

Region: Japan

Distillery: Karuizawa (Closed)

Age: Vintage 1999-2000

ABV: 46%

Cask: European Oak Sherry Casks

Size: 700 ml

Bottled in 2012,  this whisky includes the final vintages of Karuizawa in 1999-2000. Matured in European oak sherry casks.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Hanyu (Closed)

Age: 1990 - 2013 (23 Years)

ABV: 53.9%

Cask: Bourbon

Size: 700 ml

Distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2013 after maturation in a First Fill Bourbon Barrel #518, this is the Anniversary Bottling for the Whisky Live at Tokyo International Bar Show. Nose: Fruity with gentle smoke, honey sweetness and cedar wood. Palate: Oak flavour with vanilla, oily, spice anf some candy sweetness. Finish: Warm and long finish, spice flavour in finishing. Rated on Whiskybase at 91 Points across 14 reviews.

Please note that No Box is available.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Hanyu and Kawasaki (Closed)

Age: (26 - 34 Years Estimated) 1990 vintage and 1982 vintage (bottled in 2016)

ABV: 48%

Cask: Refill Sherry Butts and Demerara Rum Cask

Size: 700 ml

This rare whisky is a fantastic vatting by Mr. Ichiro Akuto, from two single casks from two lost distilleries, a Hanyu 1990 vintage and a Kawasaki 1982 vintage. This is a special bottling to celebrate the 27th Anniversary of the Kiyosato Field Ballet.

Kawasaki distillery was owned by Mercian Corporation, also the owners of the Karuizawa Distillery, which focused on Malt whisky, while Kawasaki focused on Grain whisky. Located in Kawasaki Prefecture between Tokyo and Yokohama, Kawasaki Distillery used 90% corn and 10% malted barley in Refill Sherry Butts and Demerara Rum casks. Mercian became a part of Kirin Holdings in the 2000s and Karuizawa and Kawasaki were both closed. After being closed, most of inventory of casks were stored in the Yamanashi warehouse and bought by Mr. Ichiro Akuto in 2006.

700 bottles were released in 2016. Rated 91+ on Whiskybase across more than 20 reviews.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Hanyu and Kawasaki (Closed)

Age: (25-33 Estimated) 1990 vintage Hanyu and 1982 vintage Kawasaki (bottled in 2015)

ABV: 48%

Cask: Refill Sherry Butts and Demerara Rum Cask

Size: 700 ml

This rare whisky is a fantastic vatting by Mr. Ichiro Akuto (founder of Chichibu Distillery) of two single casks from two lost distilleries, a Hanyu 1990 vintage and a Kawasaki 1982 vintage. This is a special bottling to celebrate the 26th Anniversary of the Kiyosato Field Ballet.

Kawasaki distillery was owned by Mercian Corporation, also the owners of the Karuizawa Distillery, which focused on Malt whisky, while Kawasaki focused on Grain whisky. Located in Kawasaki Prefecture between Tokyo and Yokohama, Kawasaki Distillery generally used 90% corn and 10% malted barley in Refill Sherry Butts and Demerara Rum casks. Mercian became a part of Kirin Holdings in the 2000s and Karuizawa and Kawasaki were both closed. After being closed, most of inventory of casks were stored in the Yamanashi warehouse and bought by Mr. Ichiro Akuto in 2006.

700 bottles were released in 2015. Rated 90+ on Whiskybase over 17 reviews.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Hanyu and Kawasaki (Closed)

Age: 1990 vintage and 1982 vintage (bottled in 2017)

ABV: 48%

Cask: Refill Sherry Butts and Demerara Rum Cask

Size: 700 ml

This rare whisky is a fantastic vatting by Mr. Ichiro Akuto, from two single casks from two lost distilleries, a Hanyu 1990 vintage and a Kawasaki 1982 vintage. This is a special bottling to celebrate the 28th Anniversary of the Kiyosato Field Ballet.

Kawasaki distillery was owned by Mercian Corporation, also the owners of the Karuizawa Distillery, which focused on Malt whisky, while Kawasaki focused on Grain whisky. Located in Kawasaki Prefecture between Tokyo and Yokohama, Kawasaki Distillery used 90% corn and 10% malted barley in Refill Sherry Butts and Demerara Rum casks. Mercian became a part of Kirin Holdings in the 2000s and Karuizawa and Kawasaki were both closed. After being closed, most of inventory of casks were stored in the Yamanashi warehouse and bought by Mr. Ichiro Akuto in 2006.

359 bottles were released in 2017. Rated 92 on Whiskybase across more than 11 reviews.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Hanyu and Kawasaki (Closed)

Age: 1990 vintage and 1982 vintage (bottled in 2018)

ABV: 48%

Cask: Unknown

Size: 700 ml

This rare whisky is a fantastic vatting by Mr. Ichiro Akuto, from two single casks from two lost distilleries, a Hanyu 1990 vintage and a Kawasaki 1982 vintage. This is a special bottling to celebrate the 29th Anniversary of the Kiyosato Field Ballet.

Kawasaki distillery was owned by Mercian Corporation, also the owners of the Karuizawa Distillery, which focused on Malt whisky, while Kawasaki focused on Grain whisky. Located in Kawasaki Prefecture between Tokyo and Yokohama, Kawasaki Distillery used 90% corn and 10% malted barley in Refill Sherry Butts and Demerara Rum casks. Mercian became a part of Kirin Holdings in the 2000s and Karuizawa and Kawasaki were both closed. After being closed, most of inventory of casks were stored in the Yamanashi warehouse and bought by Mr. Ichiro Akuto in 2006.

Since its inauguration in 1990, The Kiyosato Field Ballet has been performed "outdoors" from July to August every year. Their first commemorative anniversary bottlings were released on their 25th anniversary and have been extremely exceptional, rare and collectible. The 25th anniversary release was reportedly a blend of Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita grain; 26th and 27th anniversary releases were Hanyu and Kawasaki blends, the 28th anniversary had three releases - a Hakushu, a Hanyu and Kawasaki blend, and a Maker's Mark Private Select bottling, and this 29th anniversary bottling is again a blend of Hanyu and Kawasaki.

403 bottles were released in 2018. 

Region: Japan

Distillery: Miyagikyo

Age: 20 Years

ABV: 48%

Cask: Various

Size: 700 ml

This rare whisky comprises four different types of malt distilled in 1990 at Miyagikyo distillery and aged for 20 years. Fruity aroma, an array of sweet flavours and a smooth soft finish. 3,500 bottles were released in 2010.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Yamazaki

Age: 1994 - 2008

ABV: 52%

Cask: Hogshead

Size: 700 ml

Region: Japan

Distillery: Yoichi

Age: 20 Years

ABV: 50%

Cask: Various

Size: 700 ml

This rare whisky comprises four different types of malt distilled in 1990 at the Yoichi distillery and aged for 20 years. A rich and deep aroma with a lasting peaty character and a distinctive dry finish. 3500 bottles were released in 2010.

Yoichi Distillery, founded by Masataka Taketsuru (who studied whisky-making in Scotland) in the small town of Yoichi, Hokkaido, is renowned for its commitment to traditional Japanese's whisky-making methods, particularly its use of coal-fired pot stills. This unique distillation technique imparts distinct flavors to the whisky, with the Yoichi 20 Year Old being a luxury bottle.

Rated 90+ on WhiskyBase over 20+ Votes.

Region: Japan

Distillery: Hakushu

Age: 25 Years Old

ABV: 43%

Cask: Various

Size: 700 ml 

World's Best Single Malt 2020 and 2018 at the WWA. Best Japanese Single Malt 2020 and 2016 at the WWA. Rated 90+ on WhiskyBase. This is indeed an incredible experience of some fabulous peat combined with toffee apples, and oily texture, a sherried palate and a long nutty finish with hints of mint. Bottle number for reference only. 

Region: Japan

Distillery: Hanyu (Closed)

Age: 1991 - 2011 (20 Years Old)

ABV: 57% (Cask Strength)

Cask: unknown

Size: 700 ml

This highly rated Japanese single malt from the Hanyu Distillery is a quarter cask bottled in 2011 by Ichiro Akuto. Reportedly only 200 bottles were released exclusively for Mitsukoshi after vatting of 2 Quarter Casks ("Chibidaru"). A rare bottling indeed. Rated 90+ on Whisky Base by about 5 reviewers.

Please note that the outer box has some damage as in the images. The bottle and seal are in good condition. Sold in "As Is" condition.

Region: Japan/World

Distillery: Yamazakura (Sasanokawa Shuzo)/World

Age: About 35 Years

ABV: 57% (Natural Cask Strength)

Cask: Bourbon cask, sherry casks

Size: 600ml

A rare and old whisky from Yamazakura aged for over 35 years. Initially in bourbon cask and reportedly finished for about 1 year in sherry casks. Specially bottled by hand at cask strength, this whisky is elegant, excellently balanced and rounded yet offering a variety of flavours including crisp buttered toast, ripe apricots with an oily texture and a lingering warm finish.

A very rare bottle to find since only 55 bottles were released in November 2020 and each bottle has been hand crafted by Japanese Artisan Hideaki Kakurai, making each bottle unique and different than the other.