Japanese Whisky - BourbonSphere

Upton Tea Imports Cherrywood Whiskey Barrel Smoked Tea Review

By Richard Thomas Rating: A- Japan has its own idiosyncratic varietals of oak used by their whisky industry. Mizunara has become familiar with erudite enthusiasts, as the wood’s characteristic sandalwood notes have found a fan following and it sees more use outside of Japan. The odd thing is that even among those of us who …

By Richard Thomas

Rating: A-

*(Credit: David Wilmont/Wikimedia Commons/CC-by-SA-2.0)*

Japan has its own idiosyncratic varietals of oak used by their whisky industry. Mizunara has become familiar with erudite enthusiasts, as the wood’s characteristic sandalwood notes have found a fan following and it sees more use outside of Japan.

The odd thing is that even among those of us who study Japanese whisky (but don’t actually live in Japan), their use of cherrywood has gone largely unnoticed. I say that is odd because cherry trees have been identified with Japan much longer than anime, Toyota, sushi, katanas and Hello Kitty. The subject of Japanese woods does not come up often in conversation, even among my colleagues, but when it does come up I never hear what is to me an obvious question: why not cherrywood?

The answer is it is in use, and outside Japan to boot. Every Japanese distillery has a cherrywood finished whisky, most recently Suntory. Over in Ireland, both Teeling Whiskey Company and Irish Distillers with their experimental Method And Madness series have done whiskeys aged in cherrywood. Where fashioning casks from cherrywood is too expensive, smoking grain with the wood is an alternative.

Upton Tea Imports has done both. They ground some of those cherrywood whisky barrels into chips and used the chips to smoke Japanese black tea for six to eight hours.

The Tea
This isn’t a strong cup of morning brew, but more in the teatime, pick-me-up vein of afternoon teas. It mixes a mild tannic streak with a note akin to a berry-driven red wine and a current that is half-smoke, half-ash. This is quite distinct from the oak whisky barrel smoked tea I tried last month, and somewhat better in that it is more approachable for folks who aren’t absolute smokeheads. The smoky side here is strong, but moderate enough that folks who appreciate a current of smoke in their barbecue, chili or street corn, but are turned off by something like Islay single malts, will appreciate it.

The Price
A 30 gram packet is $38.50, which comes out to $2.89 per cup.

The Art of Whiskey Pairing: What Foods Complement Your Drink?

Just like wine, whiskey has its own set of characteristics that can complement and enhance various dishes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, knowing how to pair whiskey with food can make your tasting experience more enjoyable and memorable. The world of whiskey is vast, with a …

The world of whiskey is vast, with a range of flavors from smoky and peaty to sweet and fruity. Each type of whiskey has its unique profile, which can be highlighted by pairing it with the right foods. The key to a successful pairing is to balance the flavors so that neither the whiskey nor the food overpowers the other.

This guide is perfect for students who are beginning to explore the world of whiskey and want to impress their friends with their newfound knowledge. If you ever need help with writing assignments or want an excellent assignment done by the paper writing service EssayPro, you know where to turn. Now, let’s dive into the world of whiskey and food pairings!

*(Photo by Vinicius “amnx” Amano on Unsplash)*

Understanding Whiskey Profiles

Before we get into specific pairings, it’s essential to understand the different types of whiskey and their flavor profiles. Here are the main categories:

Scotch: Known for its smoky and peaty flavors, Scotch whiskey is made primarily in Scotland. It can range from light and floral to rich and heavily peated.
Bourbon: A sweet and full-bodied whiskey made primarily in the United States, Bourbon has strong notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Irish Whiskey: Generally lighter and smoother than Scotch, Irish whiskey often has notes of honey, fruit, and toasted wood.
Rye Whiskey: Spicier and more robust, rye whiskey is made with a higher proportion of rye grain, giving it a distinctive peppery flavor.
Japanese Whiskey: Known for its delicate and nuanced flavors, Japanese whiskey often features notes of fruit, honey, and light smoke.

Pairing Whiskey with Food

1. Scotch Whiskey

Smoky Scotch: The bold, smoky flavors of Scotch whiskey, particularly those from Islay, pair wonderfully with rich and savory dishes. Try it with smoked meats, such as smoked salmon or BBQ ribs. The smoky notes in the whiskey enhance the flavors of the meat, creating a harmonious balance.

Light and Floral Scotch: For lighter Scotches, opt for dishes that are not too overpowering. Seafood, such as grilled shrimp or scallops, can be an excellent match. The delicate flavors of the seafood complement the subtle floral notes in the whiskey.

2. Bourbon

Sweet and Full-Bodied Bourbon: The sweetness of Bourbon pairs well with desserts and rich, hearty dishes. Chocolate-based desserts, such as a rich chocolate cake or brownies, bring out the caramel and vanilla notes in the whiskey. For savory options, consider pairing Bourbon with grilled steak or pulled pork. The smoky char from the grill complements the sweetness of the Bourbon beautifully.

Spicy Bourbon: Bourbons with a higher rye content can be spicier and more robust. These pair well with spicy foods, such as buffalo wings or spicy BBQ chicken. The heat from the food and the spice from the whiskey create a bold and exciting combination.

3. Irish Whiskey

Smooth and Light Irish Whiskey: The smooth and light nature of Irish whiskey makes it a versatile option for pairing. It goes well with a variety of cheeses, particularly mild and creamy ones like Brie or Camembert. For main courses, try pairing it with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. The light flavors of the meat won’t overpower the whiskey.

Fruity Irish Whiskey: If you have a fruitier Irish whiskey, consider pairing it with dishes that have a touch of sweetness. Baked ham with a honey glaze or apple pie can enhance the fruity notes in the whiskey.

4. Rye Whiskey

Spicy Rye Whiskey: The bold, spicy flavors of rye whiskey are a great match for strong, flavorful foods. Pair it with aged cheeses like Gouda or sharp cheddar. For main courses, try it with spicy sausages or blackened chicken. The spice in the food complements the peppery notes in the whiskey.

Robust Rye Whiskey: Robust rye whiskeys can handle heartier dishes. Think beef brisket or a rich beef stew. The robust flavors in both the food and the whiskey will complement each other well.

5. Japanese Whiskey

Delicate Japanese Whiskey: The delicate and nuanced flavors of Japanese whiskey pair well with light and subtle dishes. Sushi or sashimi are excellent choices, as the fresh fish and light rice complement the whiskey without overpowering it. For a different option, try pairing it with tempura – the light batter and fresh vegetables work well with the whiskey’s delicate flavors.

Fruity and Floral Japanese Whiskey: Whiskeys with fruity and floral notes can be paired with dishes that have a touch of sweetness. Think along the lines of teriyaki chicken or grilled peaches. The sweetness in the food highlights the fruity notes in the whiskey, creating a delightful pairing.

Tips for Successful Pairing

Balance is Key: Ensure that the flavors of the food and the whiskey are balanced. One should not overpower the other.
Complement or Contrast: You can either complement the flavors (sweet with sweet) or create a contrast (spicy with sweet) to make an interesting pairing.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different combinations. Whiskey pairing is as much about personal preference as it is about following rules.
Consider the Occasion: The setting and mood can also influence your pairing choices. A casual get-together might call for simpler, more straightforward pairings, while a formal dinner could benefit from more refined combinations.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the art of whiskey pairing can enhance your appreciation of both the drink and the food. By understanding the different flavor profiles of whiskey and experimenting with various food pairings, you can create memorable and enjoyable dining experiences.

Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or just starting to explore this fascinating world, these tips will help you discover new and exciting combinations. So, grab a glass of your favorite whiskey, prepare a delicious meal, and enjoy the perfect pairing! Cheers!

Upton Tea Imports Whiskey Barrel Smoked Japanese Tea Review

By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ Bourbon barrel coffee has been a thing for several years now, which suited bourbon-lovers cum coffee drinkers just fine. The problem with that bad, watery coffee turned my palate off so badly when I was younger that I’ve never been able to overcome the “ick” ever since. I find coffee …

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B+

*(Credit: David Wilmont/Wikimedia Commons/CC-by-2.0)*

Bourbon barrel coffee has been a thing for several years now, which suited bourbon-lovers cum coffee drinkers just fine. The problem with that bad, watery coffee turned my palate off so badly when I was younger that I’ve never been able to overcome the “ick” ever since. I find coffee notes in things like beer and ice cream are fine, but I detest the real thing. Almost by default, I became a tea drinker, and with my predilections I became the kind of tea nut who made a point of going to places like Darjeeling and the Cameron Highlands.

That put me inadvertently on the crest of a wave, because tea consumption in the US has risen by 20% since the turn of the century. Just as there has been a Bourbon Boom, there has been a Tea Surge. Even so, there are few options for enjoying a whiskey-tweaked tea product, just a (depressingly) few whiskey cocktails utilizing tea and the old sailor’s standby of putting a little whiskey in the teapot.

Until now, that is, because I was recently introduced to Upton Tea Imports, who have a Japanese black tea that has received six to eight hours of smoking using chips from a ground up Japanese whisky barrel. I suppose you could say both halves of my heart rejoiced.

The Tea
I found my brew to have a solid current of smoke, coupled to a balanced pairing of a floral note and stone fruit sweetness. It’s the sort of thing a fan of smoky whiskeys should enjoy, especially if they have discovered an especial love for the recently emerged practice of American single malt smoked using peat from the Pacific Northwest.

The Price
A 30g package costs $38.50, or $2.89/cup.

From One Nation to Another

O’Shaughnessy Distilling master distiller Brian Nation arrived in Minneapolis nearly three years ago after leaving Ireland’s Midleton Distillery, and it’s been an interesting transition. We’ll catch up with Brian and learn about the new Keeper’s Heart 21-year-old Irish single malt coming later this summer on WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Beam Suntory has changed its name to Suntory Global Spirits, while Buffalo Trace takes a look at global expansion with its first home place in London.

Episode 1055: May 5, 2024

Japan’s Hatozaki Produces American-Style Rye

There is more to Japanese Whisky than just Nikka and Suntory, such as Hatozaki. Now available in the US is the Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish for a suggested retail price of $95 (750ml), the new limited-edition expression showcases the profound aging and finishing techniques of Kimio Yonezawa, 4^th generation Master Distiller & Blender. This whisky is an American-inspired rye, not a Japanese malt, crafted in small batches of no more than 10 casks. The blend, consisting of at least 51% rye, is aged in new charred oak and then finished in traditional Mizunara casks.

Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, the Hatozaki Omakase collection was born of Yonezawa-sans vision to create elegant and genuine whiskies that reflect the character of his family distillerys unique terroir and maritime influences. Honoring the age-old Japanese concept of Omakase, known as chefs choice in Japanese dining, the Omakase collection mirrors the idea of trusting the makers intuition allowing for delightful experimentation of flavors and new exploration.

“I am honored to introduce the newest blend in our Omakase Collection to the US market,” says Yonezawa-san. “I was excited to experiment with the flavors of rye, a popular category with American whisky drinkers, and see how they would respond to native Japanese oak influence. We are thrilled with the final blend and confident it will be a surprising and rewarding choice for the seeker of exciting new whiskies to try.”

In that spirit, Kimio Yonezawa presents an innovative new blend consisting of rye whisky, that is aged in new charred oak and then finished in Japanese Mizunara casks, the rare Japanese white oak sourced from the Hokkaido and Tohoku forests. This expression will be limited to less than 3,000 bottles, each numbered and sold exclusively in the US market.

The new product joins Hatozakis core range including: Hatozaki Finest Whisky ($45.99 ,750ml. bottle, 40% ABV) a blend of premium malt whiskies aged for up to 12 years in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks and native Sakura casks, the Japanese cherry wood; and Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky ($65.99, 750ml., 46% ABV), a vatting of 100% malt whiskies aged in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks, and native Mizunara oak barrels, yielding a rich profile of sweet cereals and malty dried fruit, with a light touch of smoke and honey on the finish.

Types of Whisky to Try at Your Next Casino Game Night

(Credit: Cottonbro Studio/Pexels)

Turn on any gambling-related movie, and you’ll quickly spot whisky as the drink of choice on (or off) the poker table. Particularly in movies that involve a dusty old town, men wearing cowboy hats, and a rackety wooden bar, whisky (often paired with a cigar) is indispensable. One of the main reasons they pair so well together is because whisky, a beverage deeply rooted in tradition and often associated with luxury, complements the casino setting, which itself is a place of leisure and indulgence.

Another reason why they pair so well together is due to their social aspect. Casinos are a hub for social interaction, and when you bring whisky lovers together in this environment, it adds an extra layer of enjoyment. However, not every whisky pairs well with every gambler. There is a ridiculous variety of whisky available that appeals to different taste preferences. This article will guide you through selecting whiskies that will enhance your next casino games experience.

Understanding Whiskey Varieties

Ask a random person on the street which brand they associate with whisky, and you’ll often hear Jack Daniels, Jameson, Jim Beam or Maker’s Mark. Although these brands are staples in every bar around the world, they’re certainly not representative of the world of whisky as a whole. Strong marketing campaigns and creating a whisky profile that caters to the widest audience possible are often the factors behind their success. However, dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that there are countless flavor profiles, some of which you’d never even imagine existed.

To keep it simple, we’ll cover the 4 major types of whisky: Scotch, Bourbon, Irish, and Japanese. Each has distinct characteristics that cater to different taste preferences. For example, Scotches are generally known for their smoky notes, Bourbons for their vanilla and caramel notes, Irish whiskeys for their fruity notes, and Japanese whiskeys for their spicy, complex notes. However, in each category, there are a wide variety of whiskeys that don’t necessarily adhere to these constraints. Each type has its personality and will enhance different moments during your next game night.

Scotch Whisky Selections

Scotch whisky is a staple in almost every whisky lover’s cabinet. The history of Scotch whiskey is rich and intricately linked to Scottish culture. From grain to glass, the creation of Scotch is an artisanal and traditional process that has been handed down through the years. Whisky brewed in Scotland often has a unique smoky flavor profile associated with the area. This makes it a perfect pairing for a high-stakes poker round, as it keeps your senses fully engaged in the game.

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
(Credit: Burn Stewart)

Some of the most common Scotch brands you could look into for your next casino games night are Ardbeg, Bunnahbhain, Lagavulin, Macallan, or Glenlivet. Although there are plenty more to explore, these are generally the go-to options for Scotch lovers. If you’re in doubt, do some research online and find reviews and forums to hear the opinions from other whisky experts. Keep in mind that Scotches generally have sharp and poignant tasting notes, so you may want to wait a few poker hands before you pop open a bottle.

Bourbon and American Whiskey Choices

Bourbons are a type of American whisky often loved for their sweet flavor profile. Many bourbons incorporate notes of vanilla and caramel which often makes them more approachable than some scotches. Of course, there are bourbons that can really pack a punch. The emerging trend of artisan distilling, their use in cocktails, their historical and cultural significance and the attention placed on quality all work together to appeal to a wide range of customers domestically and internationally.

Although bourbons can be enjoyed at any time during a casino game night, a fitting moment could be either at the beginning or end of a session. American whiskeys are smooth, satisfying and sweet which makes them great for winding down after a long night at the table. If you want to work your way up to a smoky Scotch, a sweeter bourbon is a great way to prepare the palette. If you’re not familiar with bourbons, look into Wild Turkey, Michter’s, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace or Four Roses. There are some of the iconic American Whiskey’s you can get for a relatively affordable price.

Exploring Irish and Japanese Whiskies

Irish and Japanese whiskies have been gaining tons of traction over the years. Japanese whisky in particular didn’t begin to get international notice until the 2000s. The first genuine Japanese whiskey, Shirofuda White Label, was introduced by Suntory in 1929, but its sales were initially weak as the Japanese market was not yet acclimated to whisky. But the industry persisted, and by the 1950s, whiskey was starting to gain traction in Japan, particularly among the working class and the wealthy.

Teeling Small Batch
(Credit: Richard Thomas)

Irish whisky on the other hand, had a different story. The industry’s emphasis on innovation and creating new high-end goods, together with the worldwide trend towards artisanal and craft spirits, have helped it grow. Furthermore, its appeal both domestically and abroad may be attributed to its cultural significance, its link to Irish identity and heritage, and its use in rites and festivities.

Some of the most common Japanese brands you could look into when hosting your next whisky party are Yamazaki, Nikka, or Hibiki. For Irish whisky, look into Teeling, Redbreast, or Connemara. Both whisky types provide so much variety that you can mix and match either of these at any point during your next casino game night.

Review | Hibiki 21 years old 100th Anniversary Edition

The House of Suntory, the founders of the Japanese whisky industry, are celebrating their centenary this year. Several events and bottlings have marked the occasion but arguably none are more special than this new release - the Hibiki 21 years old 100th Anniversary Edition. The rare blend has been created using whiskies from each of Suntory's distilleries - Chita, Hakushu and Yamazaki. A pocket of the Yamazaki spirit that was used has been matured in Mizunara oak casks.

The new whisky has been created by Shingo Torii and Shinji Fukuyo, Master Blender and Chief Blender respectively at the House of Suntory. The Hibiki blend (pronounced he-bee-kee and meaning 'echo' in Japanese) was first introduced in 1989 and created by then-Master Blender Keizo Saji. The brand has grown to be the most highly awarded Japanese blended whisky in spirits competitions around the globe.

The Hibiki 21 years old 100th Anniversary Edition is presented in the classic 24-sided bottle with a label featuring gold leaf. It is housed in a wooden casket and released at 43% ABV. The whisky will be available in selected whisky specialists and luxury retailers worldwide. A bottle will cost £5,200.

Our Tasting Notes

The colour is vibrant gold and the nose is highly floral and aromatic. Fragrant aromas of white peach, green grape and manuka honey mingle with vanilla extract, white chocolate and cocoa powder. The sweet fruitiness is underpinned by a delicate and warming spiciness - think of cinnamon bark, white pepper and clove.

On the palate this whisky is elegance personified. The warming and woody spice from the nose comes through well to begin with - imagine a heady combination of clove, star anise, cedar and sandal wood. These notes give a savoury, almost umami, edge throughout. Then the sumptuous fruity elements begin to shine with ripe, juicy peach and apricot to the fore, plus a hint of fresh pineapple juice.

The sumptuous nature continues with a distinctive note of golden syrup, which is accentuated by a hint of butterscotch and pinches of cocoa powder and white pepper. There is also a delicate floral note that sits in the background that is most reminiscent of citrus blossom and jasmine. A faint hint of the cinnamon bark and honey from the nose round things off nicely and adds even more complexity.

The finish is long and goes through three distinct phases. First the ripe fruity elements begin to fade, then the sweeter ones. This leaves the elegant warming spices to take hold and take the finish is a pleasantly dry and woody direction.

What's The Verdict?

This Hibiki 21 years old 100th Anniversary Edition is an exquisite whisky and one that does justice to one of House of Suntory's most popular brands. The blend has incredible depth and complexity and combines sweet, fruity and spicy elements superbly. It really shows off what can be achieved with old Japanese whisky.

The only negative is the price. Over £5000 for a bottle seems astronomical, even when factoring in the scarcity of highly aged Japanese whisky these days. Sadly this will mean that all of these bottles are destined for the collector's shelf or a rich businessman's trophy cabinet. Will anyone actually get to taste it? We hope so as it is a sublime whisky.

Nikka Concludes Its Discovery Series

Japanese whisky company Nikka has brought out a new and final edition in its “Nikka Discovery” series in the U.S.: Nikka The Grain Whisky. This expression is the third and final release in the “Nikka Discovery” series and features a rare blend of grain whiskies from four unique Nikka distilleries; Miyagikyo, Nishinomiya, Moji, and Satsumatsukasa. An inside look at the various experiments made during the whisky-making process at Nikka Whisky, the “Nikka Discovery” series explores every part of its production method and was created in anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90^th anniversary in 2024.

This year’s “Nikka Discovery” series limited edition bottling focuses on the diversity of grain whisky produced throughout the history of Nikka Whisky, an expression designed to highlight the past and future of grain whisky distillation, which has been instrumental to Nikka’s founding and evolution. Nikka The Grain Whisky (48% ABV) is crafted from seven unique personalities, with Coffey Grain from the Miyagikyo Distillery at the core. This bottling is the brand’s first introduction to grain distillates from the historic Moji Distillery and the Satsumatsukasa Distillery, which have been distilling Shochu for domestic market. Careful blending is practiced, creating a beautiful chemistry of Nikka’s wide variety of grain whiskies such as specially reserved old Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt and experimental new grain made from corn and rye.

“We are excited to introduce this very special expression for the final release of our ‘Nikka Discovery’ series, a celebration of the past and future of grain whisky.” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky Global Marketing & Sales General Manager. “This creation is achieved by both Nikka’s tradition and innovation. Our signature Coffey stills are great assets inherited from our founder Masataka Taketsuru, who learned how to distill Coffey grain whisky in Scotland and installed the 1^st still in 1963. While accumulating know-how of Coffey distillation for 60 years, we have also developed distinctive new grain whiskies incorporating shochu techniques. For this special release, we even designed the label with a four-row pattern to highlight each of the four distilleries.”

“The Nikka Whisky team has done it again, created a spectacular whisky that will intrigue and excite enthusiasts in the U.S.,” says Hotaling & Co. CEO and President Dan Leese. “Approaching their 90^th anniversary, Nikka Whisky has proven with this series that they are firmly rooted in history and tradition yet will never stop pushing the limits of innovation within Japanese whisky.”

The Nikka the Grain Whisky release is non-chill filtered to best maximize its distinct flavors and enhance the rich texture. This limited bottling retails at an SRP of $174.99 and only 2,600 bottles will be available in the U.S. at select retailers.

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The Whisky Connoisseur’s Corner – London Cocktail Week

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – The Whisky Connoisseur’s Corner – London Cocktail Week

London Cocktail Week is now on, with bars across the city welcoming curious drinkers to try great cocktails and much more. Nestled in amongst the more traditional cocktail events, there are a few rather special whisky tastings – just the thing for the discerning drinkers looking for drams you can’t find anywhere else.

What is London Cocktail Week?

Now in its 14th year, London Cocktail Week is a celebration of the capital’s drinks scene. London has been at the forefront of cocktails since the term was invented, with famous bars and restaurants defining the spirit of innovation at the heart of the cocktail world. LCW taps into that and offers great deals and special drinks, as well as a huge range of events, this year running from 12 to 22 October.

Quite a lot of bars…

Its simple: buy a wristband online, turn up to one of the 200+ venues taking part across the city, collect your physical wristband from the bar, and then enjoy special menus and discounted drinks. The bars taking part stretch from Wood Green in the north to Brixton in the south, and Canning Town in the East to Shepherds Bush over in the west – so you should be able to find something near you.

You can find wristbands here and they only cost £15, with discounts on group bundles. You can find out more about the festival on the London Cocktail Week website.

The Connoisseur’s Collection

Along with great drinks and events through the week (well, eleven days) there is a small selection of very special tastings that focus on impressive drinks, including some which were exclusive to The Whisky Exchange when they were released. These bottles rarely get an outing these days, with most of them hidden away in collections or already drunk, so these events are great if you’re after something you won’t find elsewhere.

You can find a complete list of the Connoisseur’s Collection here, but one has very much caught our eye:

Top Shelf Whisky at Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish

£335 – Book now >

Sexy Fish is London’s top location for Japanese whisky. While, as the name suggests, it is mostly a restaurant specialising in Japanese-inspired takes on seafood, the bar is a whisky-lover’s dream, with long-sold out releases open and available to try.

The Top Shelf Whisky experience for LCW is particularly special, with a selection of whiskies that shocked even The Whisky Exchange team, including bottles that we thought long gone:

Hanyu The Joker (Colour Label) – a strong opener, we launched this bottling back in 2014 (read all about it here on the blog) and it has since become a legendary expression from this lost distillery. It’s a complex mix of six vintages between 1985 and 2000 and seven different cask types, all pulled together by former Hanyu boss and Chichibu founder Ichiro Akuto.

Karuizawa 30yo Bourbon Cask #8606 First Geisha – maybe my favourite Karuizawa of all time, and a style that we have rarely seen. We launched this at Whisky Show way back in 2013 as the first in the Karuizawa Geishas series. The lost (and demolished) distillery is best known for its sherry-matured whiskies, but the rarely seen bourbon casks are the real stars for me – elegant old wood, wax polish, honey and layers of fruit, all wrapped up with a touch of incense. Stunning whisky.

Learn more about the distillery – What makes Karuizawa the world’s rarest whisky? >

Yamazaki Mizunara Cask 2013 Edition – one of those whiskies that passed under the radar only to pick up a fearsome reputation years later. The Yamazaki cask collection also featured the Yamazaki Sherry Cask release that Jim Murray named Best Whisky in the World, promptly catapulting Japanese whisky into the limelight and breaking the internet. However, for me it was the Mizunara cask that was the star of the range, eschewing a big sherry-cask punch for the more understated mizunara – Japanese oak. Layers of spice, incense and sandalwood, all well-integrated and complemented by the distillery’s underlying fruity character. A rarely seen treat.

Chichibu Sexy Fish Edition #5253 Chassagne-Montrachet Pinot Noir Cask – as the UK’s source of whisky from cult Japanese distillery Chichibu, we worked with Sexy Fish to select this single cask and get it on their bar. This has never been publicly for sale by the bottle (although a few have trickled out into the wild) and is sold only by the measure in the bar. If you want to try it, you have to go to Sexy Fish, which is not a hardship.

At £335, it’s not a cheap line-up, but considering the whiskies on the mat, it’s a relative bargain.

More cocktail week goodness

We thoroughly recommend digging through the bar list, seeking out events and taking a chance on something that looks interesting, especially if it’s a new experience. London Cocktail Week is the perfect chance to expand your drinking horizons, and with so many bars across town joining in, you’re sure to find something that’ll make your week.

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – The Whisky Connoisseur’s Corner – London Cocktail Week

Hibiki Unveils A 21 Year Old Malt

As 2023 marks a momentous year for the House of Suntory, the founding House of Japanese whisky is thrilled to reveal the long-awaited centennial release of Hibiki 21-Year-Old and a limited-edition bottle design of Hibiki Japanese Harmony that honors the four seasons and is a nod to the past, present, and future. The two limited releases mark the latest centennial whisky offerings from the House of Suntory’s anniversary celebration, honoring a century since founder Shinjiro Torii established Japan’s very first malt whisky distillery in 1923.

Originally making its debut in 1989, Hibiki is considered among the most prestigious whiskies in the world and has become one of the most sought-after Japanese blended whiskies. Hibiki is a harmonious blend of various malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. The limited-edition Hibiki 21-Year-Old is a delicate marriage of malt and grain whiskies that are meticulously blended to create an orchestra of flavors and aromas. For this special centennial edition, rare Mizunara oak is placed at the forefront, profoundly influencing the blend while still maintaining Hibiki’s character and essence.

“For the limited-edition Hibiki 21-Year–Old, our team took on the challenge of crafting a new blend to celebrate our centennial,” says Chief Blender of Suntory Shinji Fukuyo. “With meticulous precision, we managed to harness the challenging-yet-rewarding characteristics of Japanese Mizunara oak to accentuate the unique flavor profile for which our Hibiki whiskies are known. This special whisky showcases our continued dedication to craftsmanship at the House of Suntory.”

The centennial anniversary label design on the Hibiki 21-Year-Old bottle artfully displays a gradual transition of colors that evoke the sunrise in Japan, a symbol of life, vitality and the ever-flowing passage of time. In Japanese culture, the sun holds deep meaning, as it nurtures the surrounding nature and provides essential energy. It stands as a reminder to appreciate life and embrace the changes that come with each passing moment.

Tender gold in color, this extraordinary whisky embodies the spirit of “Wa,” or oneness, with enticing aromas. It offers refined and elegant notes of kumquat and jasmine with Japanese incense. The palate is subtly sweet and floral combined with spiced sandalwood and agarwood. The result is a long and deep finish with undertones of spiced Mizunara wood. Hibiki 21-Year-Old is bottled at 43 percent ABV. It is available globally in select markets with a suggested retail price of $5,000 a 700-ml. bottle.