Japanese Spirits

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

Producer Description

The name Haku does not merely mean "white" — it celebrates the origin and craft of this premium Japanese vodka. Haku pays tribute to its origin Hakumai (白米) — 100% pure Japanese white rice — and the mastery of Jyunpaku (純白): a pure and brilliant vodka carefully filtered through bamboo charcoal for an unparalleled soft, round, and subtly sweet taste.

Tasting Notes

• Delicate and clean on the nose with subtle sweetness
• Soft, round mouthfeel with a gentle sweetness from Japanese white rice
• Smooth, lingering finish with a hint of umami

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

Product Details

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

Producer Description 

From Suntory’s mountain forest distillery, nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu® is the fresh and gently smoky single malt whisky with herbal notes that is the revelation of Japanese single malts.

Straight from the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a "green and fresh" whisky.   Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master brender, the unique taste made in distinct.

Four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. Its crisp and vibrant feel, unique in a single malt whisky, enlivens and liberates your senses.

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. 

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. Their range is defined by polishing ratio: the lower the number, the more the rice is milled, and the more refined the sake.

The Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo Sake 720ml is the approachable entry point into the Dassai family — and a remarkable sake in its own right. The Yamada-Nishiki rice is milled to 45% of its original size, revealing a sake that is elegant, fresh, and immediately appealing. A slight sweetness and very floral aromas lead to a medium-bodied palate of perfect balance — nutty and candy-like with a delicate hint of honeydew. Smooth, accessible, and endlessly enjoyable.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Floral, fresh, and lightly sweet
• Palate: Medium-bodied with nuttiness, candy, and a hint of honeydew
• Finish: Clean, smooth, and gently lingering

Sake Details

• Junmai Daiginjo — 45% rice polishing ratio
• 100% Yamada-Nishiki rice
• Asahi Shuzo (Dassai), Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
• Kosher certified
• 720ml — serve well chilled
• Pairs with: sushi, sashimi, tempura, light Japanese cuisine

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 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

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 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!