extraordinarily smooth, subtle, precise, with a multitude of nuanced flavors describes japanese whisky. beginning in 1870, with its first commercial output in 1924, japanese made whisky began with the yamazaki distillery. the liquor importer, shinjirotorii hired masataka taketsuru, who studied scotch whisky extensively. these pioneers went to great lengths to recreate scotch but with the japanese palate in mind. torii chose a suburb of kyoto, where the water is crystal clear, as the famous tea master sen no rikyu had his tea room in the vicinity for became nikka. hakushu 12 yr and nikka yoichi are superb single malts, while hibiki harmony and toki suntory represent delicious blends.
Hakushu 12 year single malt | yamanashi
86 proof - resplendent champagne gold glows into aromas of basil, pine needles and green apple, sweet pear, mint, and kiwi conclude with subtle smoke and steaming green tea
90 proof—rose and sandalwood, lychee and a hint of rosemary mature into candied orange peel and white chocolate. a subtle note of mizunara (japanese) oak finishes long and tender. blended from yamazaki, hakushu and chita distilleries.
$9.50 per 1 oz
$19 per 2 oz
ichiro’s malt & grain blended whisky | saitama
93 proof—a worldwide blend begins with scents of dried apricot, sweet butterscotch and citrus zest then rests lively on the tongue with pipe tobacco, gingerbread, barley malt and tropical fruit. roasted chestnut and vanilla are found in the finish
$11 per 1 oz
$22 per 2 oz
mars iwai | nagano
80 proof—from japan’s highest distillery, sweet pear, quince, maple, buttered corn and vanilla characterize while finishing soft and remarkably smooth.
$6 per 1 oz
$12 per 2 oz
mars iwai tradition | nagano
90 proof—the high elevation of distillation brings subtle and comforting flavors of ripe cherry, honeyed toffee and appetizing ginger.
$6.50 per 1 oz
$13 per 2 oz
nikka coffey malt whisky | sapporo & sendai
90 proof—made from 100% malted barley, nikka developed this whisky for true aficionados with its extraordinary texture kept in mind. distilled in a “Coffey Still” which is traditionally used for grain whisky, nikka coffey malt whisky begins fresh and clean with candied lemon and baking spices on the nose. the unique and lush mouthfeel deposits clove, cinnamon and apricot onto the palate and finishes delightfully with orange peel and oak.
$10 per 1 oz
$20 per 2 oz
nobushi japanese whisky | miyagi & nagano
80 proof—blended japanese whiskys continue 3-4 more years in american oak barrels to produce a remarkably smooth spirit. on the nose there are floral and fresh fruit notes which please the palate as vanilla and winter spice flavors. the finish is fruit-filled and long, with hints of oak and more spice.
$7.50 per 1 oz
$15 per 2 oz
Shibui Grain Select | World Blend
a blend of japanese and scotch whisky, this 100% wheat whisky is aged in bourbon, oloroso sherry and mizunara oak casks for a flavor profile that consists of cereal, coconut covered tropical fruits, white pepper & jasmine
1oz $7
2oz $14
Shibui Pure Malt | World Blend
a blend of japanese and scotch whisky, this 100% malted barley whisky is aged in bourbon, oloroso sherry and mizunara oak casks for a flavor profile that consists of candied walnuts, coffee, chocolate covered raisins, oak & spice.
1oz $7.50
2oz $15
Shibui 10yr Pure Malt | World Blend
aged at least 10 years, a blend of japanese and scotch whisky, this 100% malted barley whisky is aged in bourbon, oloroso sherry and mizunara oak casks for a flavor profile that consists of coffee, plums, rich dark chocolate, cinnamon & oak. a smooth and intricate whisky with a depth of flavor.
1oz $14
2oz $28
shinobu blended whisky | niigata
90 proof—a blend of 50% malt whisky and 50% grain whisky. The initial spirits have been aged in both sherry and bourbon casks, and then the entire blend is finished in Japanese Mizunara oak. a nose that’s surprisingly sunny, with lemon peel and freshly milled grain and bready malt notes. On the palate malt is initially quite heavy, with a strong edge of sherry-driven citrus character and a chocolate finish.
$6.50 per 1 oz
$13 per 2 oz
shinobu pure malt whisky | niigata
90 proof—made by selecting the best whisky from different distilleries which are first reserved in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks and then finishing with precious Japanese Mizunara Oak. The result is a unique fusion of flavors and dynamic explosion in palate yet so smooth and easy to drink. On the nose you get vanilla, plums and mint and then slightly sweet spices, vanilla, citrus and smoky oak o the palate.
$7 per 1 oz
$14 per 2 oz
yamazaki 12yr single malt | osaka
86 proof—pure gold in color, peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove, candied orange, vanilla and mizunara (japanese) oak on the nose. hints of coconut, cranberry, butter on the palate with sweet ginger, cinnamon and a long finish.
$12 per 1 oz
$24 per 2 oz
yamazaki 18yr single malt | osaka
86 proof—deep amber in color, raisin, apricot, cafe au lait, mizunara (japanese) oak on the nose. hints of blackberry, strawberry jam, and dark chocolate on the palate with a spicy, smooth, and long finish.
$48 per 1 oz
yame “eight goddess” 10 yr whisky | yame & fukuoka
84 proof— blended oak aged whiskies of 10-13 years old create mellow and delicate flavors of vanilla with hints of citrus. light notes of heather, honey and baked sugar are found in the finish.
$6 per 1 oz
$12 per 2 oz
yamato special addition cask strength
86 proof— blend of malt and grain and aged in japanese mizunara oak. Light sandal wood and vanilla on the nose with a sweet malty characteristic on the palate and hints of coconut.
