Japanese Spirits

Roku Craft Gin · Suntory · Osaka, Japan

Roku takes its name from the Japanese word for “six,” a reference to the six Japanese botanicals at its heart. Crafted by Suntory in Osaka, it brings sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, sencha tea, gyokuro tea and sansho pepper together with eight traditional gin botanicals. Each Japanese botanical is harvested at its peak season and distilled to capture its character.

Cherry blossom and sakura leaf bring a delicate floral sweetness to the nose, followed by fresh green-tea notes. The palate is smooth and silky, with bright yuzu citrus over a classic juniper backbone. Sansho pepper adds a gently spiced, tingling finish.

Serving suggestions

Try Roku in a gin and tonic with a slice of ginger, or use it in a Martini or Negroni. For a food pairing, consider sushi, Japanese cuisine or light seafood.

At a glance

• Producer: Suntory
• Expression: Roku Craft Gin
• Origin: Osaka, Japan
• Japanese botanicals: Sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peel, sencha tea, gyokuro tea and sansho pepper
• Botanical blend: Six Japanese botanicals and eight traditional gin botanicals
• Aromas: Cherry blossom, sakura leaf and green tea
• Palate: Yuzu citrus, juniper and a smooth, silky texture
• Finish: Gentle sansho-pepper spice
• Strength: 86 proof
• Size: 750ml

A floral, citrus-led Japanese gin with a distinctive peppery finish.

Three of Suntory's most celebrated distilleries — Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita — come together in Toki, a blend that exemplifies the Japanese art of harmony. Toki means "time" in Japanese, and there's a patience to this whisky that shows: Hakushu American white oak cask malt brings freshness and delicacy, Chita heavy-type grain adds silky body and weight, and select Yamazaki malts layer in depth and complexity. The result is something quietly remarkable — vivid yet balanced, with a sweetness on the nose (green apple, basil, honey), a smooth and slightly sweet palate, and a long, subtly spiced finish. It upends the traditional malt-over-grain hierarchy and is equally at home neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation of a first-class Highball.

• Style: Blended Japanese Whisky
• Distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu & Chita (Suntory)
• Proof: 86 (43% ABV)
• Format: 750ml
• Country: Japan

Serving Suggestions

Exceptional in a Japanese Highball (whisky + chilled sparkling water, tall glass, plenty of ice). Also excellent neat or over a single large ice cube. Pairs beautifully with sushi, grilled chicken, or light seafood.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony · Blended Whisky · Japan

Inspired by the subtlety of Japan’s 24 seasons, Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a blend of malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. At least 10 whiskies, aged in five different types of casks, come together in a carefully composed blend. Suntory’s blending team is led by Master Blender Shingo Torii and Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast · 91 Points
The newest blended whisky offering from Hibiki is burnished gold in the glass and has a bold aroma that mixes vanilla, fresh pear and a hint of smoke. The smokiness comes forward at the first sip, wrapping around a core of oak and vanilla custard and finishing long, with a mouthwatering bitter chocolate note.

Tasting Notes

Fresh pear and vanilla lead with a hint of smoke. On the palate, smoke settles around oak and vanilla custard, finishing long with a mouthwatering note of bitter chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy neat to explore its layered aromas, or serve over a large cube for a slower, chilled pour.

At a Glance

• Producer: House of Suntory
• Blend: Malt and grain whiskies
• Origin: Japan
• Distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita
• Ageing: Five types of casks
• Proof: 86
• Bottle size: 750ml

A balanced Japanese blend with aromatic pear and vanilla, a gentle thread of smoke, and a lingering bittersweet finish.

Dassai — meaning "Otter Festival" — is the brand that effectively revolutionized modern sake. Asahi Shuzo, based in Yamaguchi Prefecture, built their reputation on a single-minded obsession with Yamada-Nishiki rice, the "King of Sake Rice," and the relentless pursuit of purity and precision. Where wine is defined by soil and sun, Dassai is defined by the brewer's art.

The Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 300ml is named for its 39% rice polishing ratio — each grain of Yamada-Nishiki milled until only 39% of the original grain remains. By removing the outer layers of the rice, which contain fats and proteins, the brewer reaches the pure starchy heart, resulting in a cleaner, more floral, and more elegant profile. The 39 sits between the approachable 45 and the transcendent 23, offering a beautiful balance of aromatic complexity and accessible pleasure: ripe pineapple, mango, apple, and pear, with a flowery, expertly balanced character that is both refined and genuinely addictive.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Ripe pineapple, mango, apple, and pear with floral lift
• Palate: Clean, elegant, and well-balanced with tropical fruit and subtle sweetness
• Finish: Smooth, refined, and pleasantly lingering

Sake Details

• Junmai Daiginjo — 39% rice polishing ratio
• 100% Yamada-Nishiki rice
• Asahi Shuzo (Dassai), Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
• Kosher certified
• 300ml — serve well chilled

Japan's relationship with rice runs far deeper than cuisine — it is a philosophy of purity, craft, and patience distilled over centuries. Haku honors that heritage in every drop. The name itself carries a double meaning: Haku (白) for "white," and a tribute to its source, Hakumai (白米) — 100% Japanese white rice — shaped through the exacting mastery of Jyunpaku (純白), the art of achieving something purely and brilliantly clean.

Distilled and crafted by Suntory, Japan's legendary spirits house, Haku is filtered through bamboo charcoal — a process that strips away any harshness and leaves behind something remarkable: a vodka of uncommon softness, gentle sweetness, and a whisper of umami that sets it apart from any grain or potato expression.

On the nose it is delicate and clean, with subtle floral sweetness. The palate is round and silky, with the natural sweetness of white rice at its core. The finish is smooth and lingering, with that signature Japanese refinement — restrained, precise, and deeply satisfying.

• Producer: Suntory
• Base: 100% Japanese White Rice
• Filtration: Bamboo charcoal
• Origin: Japan
• Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
• Format: 750ml

Serving Suggestions: Best enjoyed chilled, neat, or on the rocks. Exceptional in a Vodka Tonic or Martini. Pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine, sushi, or light seafood.

Asahi Shuzo, the Yamaguchi-based brewery behind the Dassai name, has spent decades redefining what premium sake can be. Their obsessive focus on Yamada-Nishiki rice and relentless pursuit of refinement has made Dassai one of the most recognized and respected sake brands in the world. And at the pinnacle of their range sits the 23 — a sake that represents the absolute limit of the brewer's art.

The Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 720ml is named for its 23% rice polishing ratio — the highest degree of milling of any sake in the world. Yamada-Nishiki rice is milled down to just 23% of its original grain size, removing the outer layers to reveal the pure starch core. The result is a sake of unparalleled refinement, subtlety, and aromatic delicacy: exceptionally delicate floral aromas of white blossom and melon on the nose, a silky, elegant palate of honey, ripe pear, and subtle rice sweetness, and a finish that is long, pure, and ethereal. A sake of rare beauty.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: White blossom, melon, and delicate floral lift
• Palate: Silky and elegant with honey, ripe pear, and subtle rice sweetness
• Finish: Long, pure, and ethereal

Sake Details

• Junmai Daiginjo — 23% rice polishing ratio (world's highest)
• 100% Yamada-Nishiki rice
• Asahi Shuzo (Dassai), Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
• Kosher certified
• 720ml — serve well chilled in a wine glass or Champagne flute
• Pairs with: sashimi, oysters, delicate seafood, steamed fish, light Japanese cuisine

Producer Description 

Nikka Coffey Vodka is distilled from corn and malted barley at the Miyagikyo Distillery near Sendai. The secret behind this vodka is the unique flavor generated by Coffey stills (named after its inventory Aeneas Coffey), which were imported from Scotland in 1963 and yield a distillate with more rich texture than modern column stills.

Nikka Coffey Vodka is excellent in cocktail, especially due to balanced texture. Recommended for Bloody Mary, Vodka Martini, Salty Dog, and Moscow Mule. 

Yamazaki 12 Year Old · Japanese Single Malt Whisky · Suntory · 750ml

Produced at the Yamazaki Distillery in Kyoto since 1984, this 12-year-old single malt is made from 100% malted barley and aged for twelve years in casks at the distillery. Its signature character is often described as noble, with a complexity that rewards a slow, considered pour.

The nose brings together peach, grapefruit, pineapple, candied orange, and clove. Rich coconut and tart cranberry add depth on the palate, while ginger and cinnamon carry through a long, spicy finish.

Producer Description

Suntory Whisky's Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky is known for its “noble” aroma. This golden whisky boasts complex aromas and superior drinkability, with fruit, spice, rich coconut, tart cranberry, and a long finish of spicy ginger and cinnamon.

How to Enjoy

Savor it neat in a tulip glass, over ice, or lengthened with club soda for a brighter highball. A small measure of water is another way to explore its mellow character and oak notes.

At a Glance

• Producer: Suntory
• Distillery: Yamazaki, Kyoto, Japan
• Age: 12 years
• Style: Japanese single malt whisky
• Mash: 100% malted barley
• Size: 750ml

A landmark Japanese single malt to sip slowly, whether neat, over ice, or as a highball.

Producer Description 

Nozawa Onsen Village, Kita Shinshu, is located about 90 minutes from Nagano City, in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture. Nozawa is a small village with a population of 3,600 that attracts skiers from all over the world during the powder snow season. The town gets its name from the famous natural mineral hot springs ‘onsen’, which date to the 8th century and has been a travel destination for Japanese nationals since the Edo period. The Nozawa Onsen Distillery is in the heart of the village, in a renovated canning factory, historically used by villagers for the preservation of both farmed and wild mountain vegetables.

Under the guidance of Head Distiller Isamu Yoneda, Nozawa Onsen Distillery Gins reflect the terroir of this remote village. Proud local traditions and unique festivals continue with a local community deeply protective of its unique culture and heritage.

In Nozawa Onsen, you can hear the sound of rushing water everywhere. Over the course of 50 years, the snowfall on the mountain top filters through the earth to become pure spring water flowing through the village.

Blessed with pristine mountain spring water and botanicals sourced from the peaks, slopes, and valley floor of Mt. Kenashi, you can taste the Spirit of Nozawa in every sip.
Tasting Note

Nozawa Onsen Iwai Gin is a celebration of the region’s Spring harvest season. The subtle flavors of sakura, plum and applewood deliver in this fruity and floral gin. Try it with tonic water on ice or mixed in a delicate cocktail.

Producer Description

Kaiyo Cask Strength Japanese Whisky is matured in the finest Mizunura oak casks. The casks are hand made due to the Mizunura oaks delicate wood grain. Extremely smooth with great complexity and a lovely balance of fruit, silky malt, and a touch of dark chocolate.

Asahi Shuzo, the Yamaguchi-based brewery behind the Dassai name, has spent decades redefining what premium sake can be. Their obsessive focus on Yamadanishiki rice — the finest sake brewing rice in Japan — and relentless pursuit of refinement has made Dassai one of the most recognized and respected sake brands in the world. The Sparkling 45 is their effervescent expression: a Junmai Daiginjo polished to 45% of the original grain, crafted to bring the elegance of Dassai to the sparkling format.

The Dassai Sparkling 45 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 360ml is not trying to be Champagne — it simply shares its grace. Lively, fine bubbles lift a semi-dry, creamy fluid in the glass, carrying aromas of grape, melon, apple, and cream. On the palate, flavors of pear, orange, and whipping cream drink juicy and effervescently, with a soft, refined finish. Best served in a Champagne flute, it is a stunning way to open a meal or celebrate a moment.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Grape, melon, apple, rice, and cream
• Palate: Pear, orange, and whipping cream — juicy, effervescent, and semi-dry
• Finish: Soft, creamy, and refined

Sake Details

• Junmai Daiginjo — 45% rice polishing ratio
• 100% Yamadanishiki rice
• Asahi Shuzo, Yamaguchi, Japan
• Kosher certified
• 360ml — serve in a Champagne flute, well chilled

Producer Description 

Profound, vanilla and pineapple-like fruitiness on top, a creamy sweetness and depth with a lingering woody aroma. Palate: Smooth and sweet mouthfeel, gradually followed with smokiness and cinnamon-like spiciness. Finish: Multi-layered complexity, sweet and smoky, spicy and woody. 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.

Tasting Notes: Amber color. The nose is profound, vanilla and pineapple-like fruitiness on top, a creamy sweetness and depth with a lingering woody aroma. On the palate, smooth and sweet mouthfeel, gradually followed with smokiness and cinnamon-like spiciness. The finish is multi-layered complexity, sweet and smoky, spicy and woody. 

Producer Description

Hatozaki lighthouse in the city Akashi, is the oldest stone lighthouse in Japan, the distillery is very close. Owned by the Yonezawa family who have been distilling Sake since 1917.

It is aged in American oak casks before being finished in Umeshu casks. This finish brings out the classic notes of barley and iodine, with a touch of plum. A whisky characterised by elegance and harmony.

Rich, elegant, and deeply aromatic, the Kozaemon Junmai Umeshu is a premium Japanese plum liqueur crafted with exceptional care at the historic Nakashima Brewery in Gifu Prefecture. Made from sun-ripened ume plums sourced from Wakayama — Japan's most celebrated ume-growing region — and steeped in Kozaemon's own Junmai sake, this is umeshu at its most refined: complex, balanced, and unmistakably Japanese.

Kozaemon & Nakashima Brewery

Founded in 1702 in Minokamo, Gifu Prefecture, Nakashima Brewery is one of Japan's most respected sake producers. The Kozaemon label represents their finest expressions — crafted using traditional techniques, locally sourced Hida Minori rice, and the pure soft waters of the Hida River. Their Junmai Umeshu applies this same philosophy to Japan's beloved plum liqueur tradition, using their own sake as the base rather than the more common shochu or neutral spirit.

Tasting Profile

Deep amber with a luminous clarity. The nose is intensely aromatic — ripe ume plum, apricot, and a gentle floral sweetness with hints of almond. On the palate it's luscious and full-bodied with bright natural acidity cutting through the sweetness, layers of ripe stone fruit, and a long, warming finish. Beautifully balanced between sweet and tart, rich and refreshing.

Producer

Nakashima Brewery (Kozaemon), Minokamo, Gifu Prefecture

Base

Junmai Sake

Ume Source

Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

Country

Japan

Format

500ml

What is Umeshu?

Umeshu is a traditional Japanese liqueur made by steeping ume — a stone fruit related to both plum and apricot — in alcohol with sugar. While most commercial umeshu uses shochu or neutral spirits as the base, premium producers like Kozaemon use sake, adding a layer of grain complexity and umami depth that elevates the liqueur far beyond the ordinary. The result is a drink of genuine sophistication.

Perfect Pairings & Serving

Serve chilled, on the rocks, or with sparkling water as a refreshing highball. Pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine — sushi, yakitori, tempura — as well as soft cheeses, foie gras, and fruit-based desserts. Also exceptional as a digestif or aperitif.

Midori · Melon Liqueur · 750ml

Midori brings the fruity flavor of Japanese muskmelons to a versatile cocktail liqueur. Its melon character makes it an inviting addition to a home bar, ready to mix with juices, spirits and other liqueurs.

Flavor & Character

The producer describes a fruity sensation of fresh melons, created by extracting the essence of two different Japanese melons using two production methods. Let the melon flavor take center stage in a simple citrus drink, or use it to add a fruity accent to a mixed cocktail.

Producer Description

Midori is the original melon liqueur enhanced by premium Japanese muskmelons that can be enjoyed with juices, spirits and other liqueurs - a fruity sensation of fresh melons.

Midori Melon Liqueur’s quality and delicious taste come from the blending of the juices of premium muskmelons — which are extremely rare in Japan. Grown in only one region of Japan, they are incredibly hard to find. In addition to their rarity, both musk melons are cultivated in rich soils to create the tastiest melons. By extracting the essence from two different Japanese melons using two different production methods, a premium melon flavor is born.

Serving Suggestions

Try a Midori Sour with fresh lemon or lime juice, or mix with soda water over ice for a lighter serve. Pair its melon flavor with pineapple juice or experiment with other spirits and liqueurs.

Liqueur Details

• Brand: Midori
• Type: Melon liqueur
• Flavor: Japanese muskmelon
• Size: 750ml
• Suggested Use: Cocktails and mixed drinks

A fruity melon accent for your next cocktail.

Nikka Whisky Days 80 Proof 750ml

Nikka Whisky was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru — the father of Japanese whisky, who studied distillation in Scotland and brought that knowledge home to build one of Japan’s two great whisky empires. Today, Nikka operates two legendary distilleries: Yoichi on Hokkaido’s rugged northern coast, and Miyagikyo in the lush mountain valley of Sendai — each producing whiskies of distinctly different character that the master blenders artfully combine. Nikka Days was created with a clear mission: whisky for every day, approachable and joyful without sacrificing the craft that defines Nikka.

The result is a beautifully balanced blend of mellow grain whiskies and slightly peated malts — silky, floral, and fruit-forward, with a delicate complexity that rewards sipping neat or shines in a Japanese highball. The round bottle and vibrant label are no accident: this is a whisky designed to brighten your day, whatever the occasion.

"A delicate balance is achieved by the skillful blending of mellow grain whiskies and slightly peated malts. With impressive floral aromas, this expression offers an extremely silky mouthfeel and fruity flavors that rise and expand, leaving behind a delightful aftertaste." — Nikka Whisky

• Producer: Nikka Whisky Distilling Co., Japan (Yoichi & Miyagikyo distilleries)
• Style: Japanese Blended Whisky
• Blend: Mellow grain whiskies + slightly peated malts
• Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Floral aromas, silky mouthfeel, fruity, light peat, delightful lingering finish
• Best With: Neat, on the rocks, Japanese highball (whisky & soda), or refreshing cocktails

Japan’s most approachable everyday whisky — Nikka Days brings the craft of two legendary distilleries to any moment worth celebrating.

Expert Reviews

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | The name of this whisky has nothing to do with coffee—rather, it's named for a type of still invented by Aneas Coffey, which is used to make this golden spirit. It offers mild vanilla-pear aromatics and is relatively light and silky on the palate. Look for a light vanilla sweetness at first, which gives way to a rounded dark chocolate note and baking spice finish. Recommended for highballs and other mixed drinks. 

Producer Description 

Coffey Malt is made from 100% malted barley. However it is not categorized as “malt whisky” but as “grain whisky” since it is not distilled in a pot still. This unique production method results in extraordinary flavors and texture. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky is a unique and celebrated expression from Japan that defies traditional Scotch-style categorizations. While it is made from 100% malted barley, it is classified simply as "Whisky" (rather than Single Malt) because it is distilled in a Coffey still (a traditional column still) rather than a pot still.

Poised, precise and quietly complex.
Assemblage 6 presents a refined and highly detailed expression of IWA 5, combining exotic fruit, floral lift, savory depth and subtle bitterness in a remarkably controlled style. Notes of lychee, gardenia, green papaya, nori seaweed and dark chocolate create a sake that is both elegant and distinctive.

With Assemblage 6, IWA explores contrast through delicacy and depth. The aromatic profile is expressive yet composed, moving from bright floral and tropical notes toward more savory, mineral and umami-driven tones as the sake opens.

The nose begins with lychee and gardenia, bringing a fragrant, lifted character. With air, notes of green papaya emerge, followed by a subtle savory suggestion of nori seaweed and a darker, more complex note reminiscent of dark chocolate.

On the palate, Assemblage 6 is precise and finely structured. The texture is polished and seamless, with freshness carrying the sake from its bright opening through a more savory and contemplative middle. The finish is long, clean and quietly persistent, with delicate umami and bittersweet tones adding complexity.

The result is a Junmai Daiginjo of remarkable poise — layered and expressive without becoming heavy, and particularly compelling as it evolves in the glass.

Style: Poised · Precise · Lychee · Gardenia · Green Papaya · Nori · Dark Chocolate

Serving: Serve lightly chilled and allow it to warm gradually in the glass. Its combination of floral, savory and umami notes makes it especially versatile with food.

Assemblage 6 captures IWA's signature balance in a particularly refined form, offering elegance, complexity and a distinctive savory edge.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Gravitas, depth and beautifully layered complexity.
Assemblage 5 reveals a deeper, more contemplative side of IWA 5, combining richness and aromatic intensity with the precision and balance that define the project. Notes of plum, raspberry, jasmine, pineapple and almond unfold gradually, creating a sake of remarkable dimension and poise.

With Assemblage 5, IWA moves toward greater depth and concentration while preserving an essential sense of freshness. The aromatics are generous yet refined, with ripe fruit, delicate florals and subtle nutty tones coming together in a seamless, harmonious expression.

The nose opens with notes of plum and raspberry, followed by an elegant floral lift of jasmine. As the sake develops in the glass, hints of pineapple and almond emerge, adding richness and complexity without overwhelming its finely balanced character.

On the palate, Assemblage 5 is broad, layered and composed. There is a satisfying sense of weight and depth, yet the texture remains polished and controlled. Fruit, floral and savory elements build gradually toward a long, refined finish that is both generous and exceptionally precise.

The result is a Junmai Daiginjo with genuine gravitas — complex and expressive, but never excessive. It rewards slow tasting and continues to reveal new dimensions as it opens in the glass.

Style: Gravitas · Depth · Plum · Raspberry · Jasmine · Pineapple · Almond

Serving: Serve lightly chilled and allow time in the glass for the aromatics and texture to fully develop. An excellent choice for richer dishes and more contemplative drinking.

Assemblage 5 shows IWA at its most profound and layered, balancing generosity and depth with remarkable elegance and control.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Juicy, lifted and wonderfully expressive.
Assemblage 4 brings a more playful and vibrant dimension to IWA 5, combining generous texture with remarkable freshness. Notes of marzipan, citrus zest, sansho and fennel unfold across a sake that feels energetic, precise and beautifully composed.

With Assemblage 4, IWA continues to explore the possibilities of assemblage through contrast and balance. There is richness here, but it is never heavy. Instead, the sake moves effortlessly across the palate, with bright aromatics and savory complexity creating a sense of constant motion.

The nose opens with delicate notes of marzipan and fresh citrus zest, followed by the distinctive aromatic lift of sansho pepper. As the sake develops, subtle herbal and anise-like tones of fennel emerge, adding freshness and complexity.

On the palate, Assemblage 4 is juicy, supple and energetic. Its rounded texture is balanced by a lively, finely structured freshness that keeps the sake focused from beginning to end. Citrus and spice carry through the finish, leaving a clean, savory and mouthwatering impression.

The result is a Junmai Daiginjo that feels both sophisticated and spontaneous — expressive enough to enjoy on its own, yet versatile and dynamic at the table.

Style: Juicy · Dancing · Marzipan · Sansho · Citrus Zest · Fennel

Serving: Serve lightly chilled. Particularly rewarding with food, and worth allowing to develop in the glass as its temperature slowly rises.

Assemblage 4 captures IWA's signature sense of harmony while introducing an especially lively, vibrant and gastronomic personality.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Intensity without weight.
Bright floral and vegetal notes gradually reveal deeper tones and IWA's characteristic white-pepper spice. The palate is energetic, seamless and beautifully balanced, culminating in a racy, tactile finish.

With Assemblage 3, IWA turns up the intensity while maintaining the sense of equilibrium that defines the project.

The nose is highly defined, opening with bright vegetal and floral impressions rather than overt fruit. Given time and air, deeper and more complex tones emerge, accompanied by the distinctive suggestion of white pepper that has become part of IWA's aromatic signature.

The palate delivers an impressive combination of presence and weightlessness. Energetic and finely structured, it builds toward a tactile, racy and intensely mouthwatering finish without becoming heavy. The result is a Junmai Daiginjo that feels simultaneously powerful and exceptionally controlled.

Assemblage 3 combines Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangoku, five yeast strains, predominantly traditional Kimoto and reserve sake components. The individual components are polished to 35%, with no added alcohol.

Style: Intense · Floral · Energetic · White Pepper · Mouthwatering

Serving: Excellent with food and particularly interesting as it develops with air and temperature.

Assemblage 3 is where IWA's quiet elegance begins to show a distinctly more energetic edge.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Purity comes into focus.
Assemblage 2 heightens the aromatic expression of IWA 5, building upon the balance and textural complexity of the inaugural release while placing greater emphasis on purity and aromatic definition. Floral and vegetal when cool, increasingly fruity and spicy as it warms, it finishes mineral, persistent and mouthwatering.

At cooler temperatures, the sake is taut, luminous and precise, showing delicate vegetal and floral qualities. As it warms, the expression becomes more energetic and expansive, with fruit and spice emerging alongside increased persistence.

At warmer temperatures, the palate gains body and breadth while retaining its clarity, introducing mineral, earthy and gently bitter elements with a mouthwatering, savory finish and nuances of licorice.

The assemblage is composed from Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangoku, along with five different yeast strains, predominantly traditional Kimoto and reserve sake components. All individual components are polished to 35%, with no added alcohol.

Style: Pure · Floral · Vibrant · Mineral · Precise

Serving: Particularly compelling as it moves from cool to cellar temperature. For the collector interested in following the evolution of IWA, Assemblage 2 marks an important refinement of the original vision — clearer, brighter and increasingly expressive.

Assemblage 2 is where IWA's purity of vision becomes unmistakable.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Where the story begins.
Complex, layered and unusually savory, Assemblage 1 established the essential IWA 5 signature: richness without heaviness, finely balanced aromatics, saline persistence and distinctive umami. This is the founding expression — the sake that introduced Richard Geoffroy's vision to the world.

Assemblage 1 introduced a sake grounded in Japanese tradition but deliberately unconventional in its pursuit of balance between aroma, palate, texture and finish. Its aromatic profile leans toward deeper, darker tones than one might expect from Junmai Daiginjo, while the palate is beautifully composed, savory and persistent.

Subtle fruit and vegetal notes evolve toward spice and wood as the sake warms, eventually revealing more bitter, saline and umami-driven dimensions with suggestions of iodine and licorice.

Assemblage 1 uses Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangoku rice, five yeast strains, predominantly traditional Kimoto methods and reserve sake components. It is a Junmai Daiginjo with no added alcohol; its classification is based on a 50% polishing rate for the least-polished component.

Style: Complex · Savory · Layered · Saline · Umami-Rich

Serving: Fascinating across a range of temperatures; allow it to open in the glass. A compelling opportunity to experience where the entire Assemblage project began.

Assemblage 1 is the most foundational expression of IWA — the origin of a remarkable and ongoing story.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Producer Description 

This is a single malt from the Yoichi distillery, Nikka's first distillery built in 1934. The founder Masataka Taketsuru chose Yoichi in Hokkaido because of the similar environmental conditions to Scotland, where he learned whisky making.

Yoichi single malt has pleasant peaty notes and smokiness originating from the traditional direct coal-fired distillation as well as a briny hint delivered by the sea breeze during the aging process.

Producer Description 

The Miyagikyo is Nikka’s second distillery, having been founded in 1969. The distillery uses chimney and large steel stills, so itswhiskies tend to be fruity and light, in comparison with the heavier Yoichi whiskies.

This affordable, non-age statement, single malt is perfect for those wishing to try out the wonderful whiskies that come from the Miyagikyo distillery. 

Produced Description 

Hibiki Blossom Harmony, is a blend of various malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. In choosing the finishing cask type for this blend, the Sakura wood was one that was said to have “intrigued Fifth Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.” “I have been mesmerized by the Sakura cask for the last five years now due to its symbolism, but also because of its distinctive, subtly floral and spicy aroma and flavor notes,” said Fukuyo in a prepared statement.

“There have been many experiments with malt and grain whisky components, and we found that there was a special alchemy between the grain whiskies and the Sakura cask. “It is this special relationship – harmony – that inspired me to create this blend.” In speaking to the symbolism noted above, the Sakura blossom season in early spring, it was explained by Suntory, “has always been an occasion for celebration in Japan, with many gathering around the beautiful flowering Sakura trees that inspire the Japanese to appreciate life as it blooms.” “As a limited edition, I wanted our Hibiki aficionados to enjoy a Hibiki they had never experienced before – something unexpected, something surprising,” continued Fukuyo.

“This is a Hibiki that celebrates a particular moment in your life, a harmony that blossoms. It would mean so much to me if you could enjoy it with someone special, someone who makes you blossom.” Color: Amber Nose: Wafting floral scents, sakura, fragrant olive Palate: Smooth mouthfeel, expanding fragrance, acacia honey, French pear and a refined sweetness suggestive of sakura mochi Finish: Long-lasting rich and brilliant aftertaste. Producer Description. 

Experience the extraordinary Yamazaki 18 Year 100th Anniversary Limited Edition, a harmonious blend of carefully chosen malt whiskies aged exclusively for a minimum of 18 years in Mizunara casks. Crafted as a tribute to Suntory Whisky's centenary, this remarkable expression highlights the exceptional and rare splendor of Mizunara oak. Revered as the quintessential "enhancer" of Yamazaki, Mizunara oak imparts an unparalleled Japanese character and refined elegance to the whisky. Immerse yourself in the distinctive allure of this single malt, as it invites you to embark on a journey of unrivaled taste and sophistication. Producer Description. 

94 Points  Whisky Advocate | Number 1 in the 2018 Top 20. Notably balanced and elegant, the colorful palette of whiskies combines for tremendous depth of flavor. Soft, sweet butterscotch and orange peel meet poached pears and stone fruits. Earthiness appears as dried autumn leaves, coffee, old oak, and tobacco. Among the tangle of spices, tasters identified chili pepper, allspice, cloves, and universally adored its ginger note. Finally, wisps of smoke and sea salt. Overall, it feels generously malty, with the grain whisky lending broad sweetness and supple mouthfeel across the long finish. Beyond its delightful flavors, Nikka From the Barrel presents some paradoxes worthy of contemplation over a glass. It is a classic, yet new to the U.S. It is typically Japanese, yet singularly magnificent. It is delightful sipped neat and also blossoms with water. Even the simple, squat bottle is in contrast to the profound complexity within. (Fortunately, the 500 ml bottle offered in other markets received a supersizing for U.S. drinkers.) The great majority of new Japanese whiskies now arriving to our shores are so rare and so expensive that they seem intended only for elite whisky lovers. Nikka From the Barrel is a consummate Japanese blend for anyone to enjoy. - Winter 2018

91 Points Beverage Tasting Institute | Dark amber color. Aromas of cinnamon pastry, pickled ginger, sourdough, honey, and raisins with a silky, crisp, fruity medium body and a tingling, compelling, medium-length crepes, dulce de leche, butter-poached pear, and toasted spice cake finish. A rich and toasty Japanese blended whisky that offers big character that will stand up in craft cocktails.

Nikka From The Barrel, according to those behind it, was first introduced into Japan back in 1986, and is considered a coveted expression for travelers to bring back from its homeland. It is a Japanese blended whisky, bringing together a very complex mix of more than 100 different batches of malt whisky and grain whisky produced at Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, and aged in multiple types of casks: ex-bourbon barrels and puncheons, ex-sherry butts, and refilled, recharred and remade hogsheads. While non-age statement in nature, importer Hotaling & Co. did note the blend undergoes three to six months of additional aging at Nikka’s aging cellar to help in the marriage of flavors. Producer Description.

Producer Description 

100th Anniversary Limited Edition Design. The Hakushu 12 Single Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 12 years in various casks, created in honor of Suntory Whisky's centenary. Nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, The Hakushu Distillery draws on its unique natural surroundings.

The illustration on the bottle captures the Hakushu distillery in soft hues of verdant green, representing the forest surrounding the distillery. The blenders work with peat, while softening the palate using the exceptional mountain water of the area, filtered through ancient granite rocks. This creates a fresh and gentle smoky single malt whisky, a true revelation in Japanese single malts that must be experienced. Producer Description.

Producer Description 

Yamazaki 18 Year Old is an award winning Japanese single malt. This legendary 18 year old whisky earned a Gold at the 2007 International Spirits Challenge and a Double Gold at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Being one of Suntory’s most popular products, you know you have quality when you have Yamazaki.

Finish

Long, spicy, smooth

Gold Medal, International Spirits Competition, 2024

Producer Description

This limited edition of 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.

The Whisky Advocate 95 Points | The Whisky Advocate writes: Watch out, because Miyagikyo has moves you’ve never seen before. Smoke builds as you nose, from sweet smoke, caramel, and vanilla to bonfire smoke with savory and spicy elements, tarry ropes, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. A multi-faceted tasting experience with sweet vanilla, chocolate, malt, spice, and cocoa, then cherry, raisin, and baked citrus, with a huge chewy mouthfeel and unrelenting flavor delivery through to the finish. Send more peat to Sendai!