Sasanokawa Shuzo

Sasanokawa Shuzo Co., rooted in the traditions of Sake brewing in Japan's Tohoku region, ventured into whisky production post-World War II, gaining a whisky licence in 1946. Their Cherry Whisky, despite its name having no direct link to cherries but rather an homage to their prior company name "Yamazakura Shuzo," symbolising Sakura or Cherry Blossoms, was among their initial releases. However, their distillation journey faced challenges in sync with Japan's whisky market fluctuations, marked by periods of importation to supplement their production.

Around 2010, Sasanokawa Shuzo introduced new offerings under the Yamazakura and "963" brands. Notably, they provided storage space to Ichiro Akuto for Hanyu casks when the new owners of Toa Shuzo were discarding them. The iconic Hanyu Card series' inaugural bottling in 2005 occurred within Sasanokawa Shuzo's premises.

In 2015, Sasanokawa Shuzo established the Asaka Distillery, commencing distillation in 2016 at the same location, dedicated to crafting Japanese Single Malt Whisky. Situated in Fukushima, the distillery benefits from the region's pristine, "ultra" pure water sourced from melted snow, facilitated by the unique climate in northeastern Japan, making it an optimal setting for whisky production.

Yamazakura Single Malt Japanese Whisky Asaka 2023 Edition has been largely matured in Bourbon barrels. snagged a silver medal award in the 2024 Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition. In 2022, the distillery won the "World's Best Blended Malt" at 2022 World Whisky Award and this is their Single Malt release for 2023.

Yamazakura Single Malt Japanese Whisky Asaka 2023 Edition

HK$1,190.00

Yama matured in bourbon barrels for about 6 years and a further finishing in Sakura (Cherry Blossom Tree) Casks for about 1 year, only 300 bottles were released With a beautiful light golden hue and an exquisite balance of fresh tropical fruits, citrus, green apples and floral sweetness, honey wax, there is a certain earthiness which gives way to a hint of saltiness and spices at the back. Did remind us of Sakura Mochi as we were sipping on this whisky! A rare bottling given the time spent in Sakura Casks.

Yamazakura Sakura Cask Finish Pure Malt Whisky

HK$1,390.00

This is a 2023 Edition of their PEATED Single Malt Whisky which has been largely matured in Bourbon barrels.  While most of the Asaka Distillery produces Non-Peated Single Malt, they occasionally release a Peated bottling from time to time as well in limited quantities. Released in Dec 2023, there were only 600 bottles.

Yamazakura Asaka Single Malt Peated Japanese Whisky 2023 Edition

HK$1,190.00

Yamazakura Asaka IPA Cask Finish Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Yamazakura Asaka IPA Cask Finish Single Malt Japanese Whisky

HK$1,390.00

YAMAZAKURA SINGLE CASK JAPANESE WHISKY ASAKA GINJYO SAKE CASK FINISH_Mizunaratheshop

Yamazakura Asaka Ginjyo Sake Cask Finish Japanese Whisky

HK$2,190.00

Asaka Japanese Whisky Complimentary Tasting Experience at Mizunara: The Shop on 14 November

Asaka Japanese Whisky Complimentary Tasting Experience at Mizunara: The Shop on 14 November

HK$100.00