Japanese Spirits

Producer Description 

Cherry blossom and green tea provide a floral and sweet aroma. Complex, multi layered, yet harmonious flavor of various botanicals. Traditional gin taste in the base, plus characteristic Japanese botanical notes with yuzu as the top note. Smooth and silky texture. The crisp Japanese sansho pepper brings a little spiciness to the finish.

Expertly crafted in meticulous detail by Japanese artisans, ROKU gin combines six unique Japanese botanicals blended with eight traditional gin botanicals that result in a complex yet harmonious gin with a smooth and silky texture. 

Producer Description 

The name Haku does not merely means “white” but celebrates the origin and the craft of this Premium Japanese Vodka.

The naming Haku pays tribute to its origin “Hakumai” (白米 ) - 100% pure Japanese white rice, and craft of mastering a “Jyunpaku” (純白) – pure and brilliant Vodka carefully filtrated through bamboo charcoal for an unparalleled soft, round and subtly sweet taste. 

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.

Producer Description 

Suntory Whisky's Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky. A Japanese single malt whisky, The Yamazaki 12 Year is known for its "noble" aroma. It hails from Kyoto, the capital of ancient Japan, which takes its nobility status up a notch or two. 

The Yamazaki 12 Year is considered the nation's premier single malt whisky, but it's safe to say that whisky fans around the globe appreciate this award-winning spirit. Since 1984, The Yamazaki Distillery has produced its Single Malt 12 Year. Its mash bill boasts 100 percent malted barley, and its cask-aged in The Yamazaki Distillery for 12 years before being bottled and arriving at your front door.

So how does it Taste? This golden whisky boasts complex aromas and superior drinkability. The nose features hints of fruit, including peach, grapefruit, pineapple and candied orange, along with spices such as clove and orange. This whisky also has notes of rich coconut and tart cranberry, while the long finish features spicy ginger and cinnamon.

This is a whisky made for savoring. Try it straight, served in a tulip glass or drink it on the rocks, poured over a whisky stone. If you're looking for something bubbly, mix it with club soda to add a hint of brightness to its mellow character and to bring out its oakiness. Or mix it one-part whisky with two parts water for a chilled-out finish to your day - Producer Description 

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Limited Edition is a blended Japanese whisky from Suntory. This limited-edition whisky is a refined expression of Suntory’s Hibiki brand, which is usually a blend of combinations of at least 10 malt and grain whiskies.

It is made from whiskies aged between 10 and 20 years in Mizunara oak, white sherry, and bourbon casks. It is a smooth and sophisticated whisky with a balanced flavor and aroma. Hibiki Japanese Harmony Limited Edition has notes of honey, sweet fruit, and oak on the nose and palate. The finish is long and complex with hints of smoke and spice. Producer Description.

Producer Description 

This is a Gin produced by Nikka Whisky, with all of the base distillate made in their "Coffey Still" imported from Scotland in 1963. The Coffey Still produces a base with a silky texture, rich body, and more flavor than modern column stills.

Its aromatic complexity relies on the delicate balance of various botanicals including Japanese citrus such as Yuzu, Kabosu, Amanatsu and Shequasar. There is also a touch of apples, followed by pleasantly tangy hints of Japanese Sansho pepper on the finish, with traditional gin botanicals including juniper, coriander, angelica root, lemon and orange peel as well. In addition to the Coffey

Still a pot still is used to distill the Japanese citrus and a vacuum still for the Sansho pepper.

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 

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 Classic Dry Gin is distilled for the bold and intrepid. Notes of citrus are enhanced by punchy local sansho pepper. Makes a perfect martini or any classic gin drink.

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

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 

Takamine is a refined and uniquely complex whiskey with notes of caramel, tobacco, stone fruit, vanilla, and oak. There is a savory note on the finish. 

Takamine Koji Whiskey is made with the patented Takamine Process, which uses an ancient Japanese mold, koji, to convert starches to sugars in a process similar to malting barley. Unlike malt whiskey where sugars are extracted in a warm water mash before yeast is introduced to start the fermentation, both the koji and yeast are active at the same time in a multiple parallel fermentation. This 100% barley ferment is then double distilled and aged in virgin oak and ex-Bourbon casks.

Producer Description 

Crafted from the finest sun ripened ume from Wakayama, this sake based umeshu is bursting from the glass with ripe ume flavors, bright acidity, and a refreshing sweetness.

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. 

Producer Description 

Bronze amber in color, Suntory Hibiki 21 Year Old is amazingly balanced and tenderly unfolding a calm essence of sandalwood, honeycomb, caramelized nuts, ripe banana and rich sherry spice. The rich and complex palate offers notes of cooked fruit, dried apricot, dark cherry, caramel, spice and Mizunara. Hints of incense and smoke lingers through the long, structured finish.

Another hit for Suntory, this Hibiki 21 merited 93 points from Jim Murray in 2009, while Dr. Whisky called it 'Unbelievably balanced, and dangerously drinkable.

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 

Umami Bitters is Carefully selected high quality materials from all over Japan from kelp, bonito flakes, and dried shiitake mushrooms, which contain the most UMAMI components. The balance between each ingredients and citrus Yuzu peal is created to the finest attention to details.

The Japanese Bitters - 

UMAMI, a savory taste,is one of the five basic tastes(together with sweet,sour,bitter and salty). A loanword from the Japanese umami,umami can be translated as "pleasant savory taste".This particular writing was chosen by Professor Kikunae Ikeda from umai "delicious" and mi "taste". The kanji 旨味 are used for a more general sense of a food as delicious.

Umami Bitters is a concentrated essence of rich, savory flavors. Adding Umami Bitters to sipping cocktails enhances their depth, making them more flavorful with a lingering finish. It is especially well-suited for classic sipping cocktails and works beautifully in your signature creations. Discover how it transforms the very concept of cocktails.

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!