The Shinobu Pure Malt Japanese Whisky (700mL)

A delicate and woody blend of Japanese malt Spirits triple-wood aged.

On the North side of Japan near Niigata, the Shonibu Distillery sits just about 300 yards from the Sea of Japan. Entrepreneur Ken Usami has been brewing Niigata Beer in this idyllic location for more than twenty years. And he was the first person to be licensed to distill Whisky in the entire prefecture in 2017. Ever since, he has been sourcing premium Spirits and finishing them in rare, Mizunara oak. These early efforts have been paying off with robust sales and a dozen awards across his product range.

Like its sister vintage drams, Shinobu Pure Malt Japanese Whisky has spent most of its time aging in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. Then it was finished in those rare and delightfully expensive Mizunara oak barrels. It is a blend of 100% malt Spirits, with masterfully balanced profile. But Whisky-lovers will notice the influence of the Mizunara right away — with dense, wood-forward notes.

Smartass Corner:
The Japanese word "Shonibu" translates roughly as "forbearance," reflecting one of the qualities of the Samurai Spirit.