Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still

51% ABV

Produced at their Hioki Distillery where they also produce Shochu, this whiskey was inspired by Irish Whiskey, Bourbon, and Shochu. Both malted and unmalted barley (as is used in Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey) are steamed rather than boiled in a mash (as is done with Shochu). It is in pot and vacuum stills (again, like some Shochu) and aged in new American oak Puncheon (like Bourbon)  at their facility in Kagoshima in the extreme south of Japan for 3 to 4 years.

This is an absolutely delightful sipping whiskey. Rich, creamy and sweet with notes of vanilla custard, plums, honey and baking spices. Both unusual and strangely familiar, this is one of the best Japanese Whisky releases we've tried in some time.