Kanosuke Whisky

• Region: Kagoshima, Japan
• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 48%
• Size: 700 ml

Kanosuke Single Malt is the flagship whisky from Kanosuke Distillery, meticulously crafted from lightly peated barley using three different pot stills. This expression is matured primarily in re-charred American white oak casks previously used for aging the barrel-aged shochu ‘Mellowed Kozuru.’ Every step—mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation—occurs in the picturesque Kagoshima region. The whisky is non-chill filtered, preserving its rich flavors and aromas.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose is vibrant, featuring ripened citrus fruit (karin), honey, banana, lemon tea, and caramel, creating a fragrant and inviting profile.
• Palate: On the palate, experience a sunset taste with ginger honey and slightly smoked nuts, balancing sweetness and complexity.
• Finish: The finish is sweet and aromatic, with a touch of bitterness, leading to a mild and long-lasting conclusion that lingers pleasantly.

Kanosuke Single Malt is perfect for those seeking a whisky that encapsulates the essence of its origin, offering a unique drinking experience that reflects the artistry and tradition of Japanese whisky-making.

• Region: Kagoshima, Japan
• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 51%
• Size: 700 ml

Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still is crafted at the Hioki Distillery, where both unmalted and malted barley are employed in a unique mashing and fermentation process. This whisky is then distilled with care in a stainless steel shochu pot still, followed by maturation in new American white oak casks and bourbon barrels at the Kanosuke Distillery warehouse. The result is a whisky that beautifully blends tradition and innovation, showcasing the rich terroir of Kagoshima.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose opens with inviting aromas of butter sand, apricot, plum, and a hint of citrus, creating a fragrant and fruity bouquet.
• Palate: On the palate, enjoy the delightful flavors of marmalade, vanilla, orange, and almond, offering a sweet and nutty profile.
• Finish: The finish is smooth and warming, featuring notes of vanilla, dry ginger, cinnamon, and a gentle sweetness that lingers pleasantly.

• Region: Kagoshima, Japan
• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 53%
• Size: 700 ml

Kanosuke Double Distillery is a distinctive Japanese whisky that showcases the unique craftsmanship of the Kanosuke family, combining the expertise from two distilleries in Kagoshima on Japan's southwest coast. This whisky is a blend of stainless steel pot still whisky distilled at Hioki and single malt distilled at Kanosuke, both of which are aged at the Kanosuke facility. The combination of distillation methods contributes to a complex flavor profile, reflecting the innovative spirit of the distillery.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The aroma is vibrant and inviting, featuring notes of vanilla, mint, melon, peach, apricot, and a hint of lemongrass.
• Palate: On the palate, the whisky reveals rich flavors of cinnamon, black tea, orange, and clove, creating a warm and comforting experience.
• Finish: The finish is oaky and rich, leaving a well-balanced fruit aroma with a subtle touch of bitterness, ensuring a satisfying end to the tasting journey.

• Region: Kagoshima, Japan
• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 55% 
• Size: 700 ml

The 2024 Limited Edition release is a Japanese-style pot still whisky, distilled in unique stainless steel pot stills under vacuum pressure using malted barley and locally sourced un-malted barley at the Hioki Distillery. The whisky is then slowly matured in a combination of new American white oak casks, ex-Bourbon barrels, and re-charred ex-shochu casks at the Kanosuke Distillery warehouse.

Experience the perfect balance of subtle bitterness and creamy sweetness in this limited edition expression.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Creme brûlée, new oak, apricots, fresh plums
• Palate: Vanilla, caramel sauce, charred oak, cocoa, matcha (green tea)
• Finish: Oily, intense dark chocolate

• Region: Kagoshima, Japan
• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 50%
• Size: 700 ml

The Kanosuke Artist Edition #003 is a remarkable light peated single malt whisky, boasting an approximate phenol level of 18 ppm. This limited release, with only 5,844 bottles available for the Japan market, showcases the depth and diversity of Kagoshima's whisky culture. It is matured in a variety of cask types, including bourbon, re-charred, sherry, and red wine, before being finished in a Kokuto Shochu cask, which contributes to its unique flavor profile.

The label design for Artist Edition #003 is a tribute to the theme of "earth," created by Yukihito Kanai, a second-generation dyer renowned for his work with natural dyes. Inspired by his visit to the Kanosuke Distillery, the artwork features Fukiage Beach, capturing the essence of the region and its connection to the whisky.

Comments from Mr. Yukihito Kanai:
"The sea seen from THE MELLOW BAR, the breeze from Fukiage beach, the austere color of the wooden barrels, and the mellow aroma wafting in the air. The connection between the inspiration from the land and KANOSUKE was not so far away. Using plants, mud, and sand from Fukiage beach to extract the sensation of being baked in Hioki, this work was born on the premise of accepting the dyed colors."

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The aroma is vibrant and inviting, with notes of passion fruit, banana, caramel, and black tea.
• Palate: The taste is a delightful medley of brown sugar and honey, complemented by nikki (a cinnamon-like spice), sweet summer fruits, and a hint of ginger, creating a layered and complex experience.
• Finish: The finish is characterized by rich brown sugar sweetness, with a subtle hint of smoke, leaving a satisfying warmth that lingers on the palate.

This limited edition whisky embodies the artistry of Kanosuke and the natural beauty of Kagoshima, making it a collector's item and a delightful addition to any whisky lover's collection. Enjoy it neat or with a splash of water to enhance the complexity of flavors.

• Region: Kagoshima, Japan
• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 59% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

The 2023 Limited Edition release is the first peated expression from Kanosuke Distillery, distilled between 2018 and 2019. It matured primarily in previously used shochu casks and ex-Sherry casks, showcasing the distillery's innovative approach to whisky-making. Bottled at a robust ABV of 59%, this edition is a testament to Kanosuke's craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The aroma opens with enticing notes of ripe banana and juicy peaches, intertwined with gentle peat smokiness. Beneath this, rich layers of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oak create a complex and inviting bouquet.
• Palate: On the palate, the whisky reveals a delightful combination of flavors, featuring salted caramel and robust black tea. A vibrant note of blood orange adds refreshing acidity, while cocoa introduces a rich, chocolatey depth.
• Finish: The finish is long and memorable, marked by lingering smoke that beautifully complements notes of citrus and honey, leaving a warm and satisfying aftertaste.

Awards:

• Double Gold award-winner at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery, Kagoshima
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 59% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

The 2022 Limited Edition release from Kanosuke Distillery features whisky distilled from unpeated malt between 2017 and 2019. This expression is matured for an average of about three years in a variety of casks, with a primary focus on Sherry casks, enhancing its complexity and depth of flavor.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose:The aroma is rich and inviting, showcasing notes of dried fruits, particularly figs and raisins, complemented by hints of rich toffee, chocolate, and a subtle spiciness from the oak.
• Palate:On the palate, expect a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Initial notes of dark chocolate and honey are followed by layers of citrus zest and baked apple, with underlying spices that provide complexity.
• Finish:The finish is long and warming, leaving a lasting impression of rich caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of floral notes, rounded off with a touch of nuttiness that lingers pleasantly.

Awards:

• Winner of the Double Gold award at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery
• Age: 3 Years
• ABV: 57% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

The 2021 Second Edition is the latest release from Kanosuke Distillery, beautifully situated along the scenic shores of Fukiagehama beach in Kagoshima. Distilled from unpeated malt in 2018, this whisky is primarily matured in first-fill re-charred ex-bourbon barrels for over three years. With approximately 5,000 bottles produced at a robust cask strength of 57%, this edition offers a compelling tasting experience.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Delight in the aromatic bouquet of citrus, vanilla, honey, and hints of lemon tea, inviting you into a refreshing olfactory experience.
• Palate: The palate bursts with the flavor of grapefruit, complemented by a delightful sweetness of cinnamon, creating a dynamic flavor profile.
• Finish: The finish balances sweet, fresh fruits with creamy vanilla and a touch of dark chocolate bitterness, leaving a satisfying conclusion to your tasting journey.

Awards:

• Rated 90 Points/Silver Medal at the IWSC 2022.

Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky 2021 Second Edition showcases the distillery's dedication to quality and tradition, making it a must-try for whisky aficionados and newcomers alike.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery
• Age: 3 Years
• ABV: 58% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

Kanosuke Single Malt 2021 First Edition marks the debut of Kanosuke Distillery's first single malt Japanese whisky, produced during the years 2017 to 2018. Crafted from unpeated malt, this whisky is bottled at cask strength, showcasing a harmonious blend of barrels. Key to its profile are the re-charred American white oak casks previously used for aging ‘Mellowed Kozuru’ shochu, which impart unique characteristics to the spirit.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Expect a rich and inviting nose with aromas of honey, vanilla, and light fruitiness, accompanied by subtle oak and spice notes.
• Palate: On the palate, experience a robust and complex flavor profile, featuring rich malt, sweet vanilla, and hints of dried fruit, underscored by a warm, nutty character.
• Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth with echoes of caramel and gentle spice, highlighting the whisky's cask strength.

• Region: Kagoshima, Japan
• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery
• Age: 3 Years
• ABV: 63% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

The Kanosuke 2020 Owners Club Sherry Cask Single Malt is a unique expression from the Kanosuke Distillery, part of their exclusive Cask Ownership Program. Distilled on June 18, 2020, this non-peated whisky has been meticulously aged in a French oak sherry cask for three years, allowing it to develop a rich and complex profile. Bottled at a remarkable natural cask strength of 63% on July 28, 2023 for MIZUNARA, this limited release is one of only 22 bottles available across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.