Mizunara: Private Cask Collection

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Ookubo Shuzo
• Age: 2 Years and 7 Months
• ABV: 30%
• Size: 720 ml

The HACHI Shochu, Sweet Potato (Imo), Mizunara Cask Matured is a collaboration with Ookubo Shuzo, a family-owned distillery in Kagoshima, and Hacchan, who has embraced the benefits of cask maturation influenced by whisky. This unique shochu is crafted from Grilled Kogane Sengan and Anno Imo, a fluffy variety of sweet potato known for its delightful aroma and golden skin (Yaki Imo). Utilizing Kuro (Black) Koji, it is single distilled under normal atmospheric pressure, classifying it as Honkaku Shochu to preserve the inherent flavors of the sweet potato.

This Batch 5 has been matured for approximately 2 years and 7 months in Mizunara Oak, which retains the original spirit's flavors while adding an extra layer of complexity to the nose, palate, and finish. Mizunara Oak is renowned for its unique flavors and challenges in cask-making due to its grain structure, which can lead to leakages but contributes distinct characteristics not found in traditional bourbon and sherry barrels.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: An aromatic blend of tropical fruits, incense, sandalwood, cedar, and coconut, with subtle smoke balanced by the sweet potato's underlying notes.
• Palate: A delightful combination of grated dry coconut, banana, and pineapple, accented by oak spices, incense, and sandalwood, with sweet potato flavors emerging alongside gentle smoke.
• Finish: A long, warming finish that lingers with hints of sweet potato and coconut, enriched by the intricate layers imparted by the Mizunara Oak.

Experience the exceptional artistry of The HACHI Shochu, Sweet Potato (Imo), Mizunara Cask Matured, Batch 5, Limited Edition, where traditional techniques meet the exquisite influence of Mizunara Oak for a remarkable tasting journey.

• Region: New Zealand
• Distillery: Pōkeno
• Age: NAS
• ABV: 55.8%
• Size: 700 ml

Nestled in a warm, misty valley surrounded by volcanic hills, the Pōkeno Distillery benefits from pure natural spring water and high-quality barley sourced from three family-owned farms in New Zealand's fertile South Island. This unique environment, combined with slow fermentation, meticulous distillation, and careful maturation in first fill casks, creates an exceptional whisky.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: An enticing aroma of citrus intertwined with rich, dark chocolate and dried fruit.
• Palate: A harmonious blend of flavors including black forest gâteau, complemented by the deep, luscious notes from the PX cask.
• Finish: A deep and lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression.

This whisky represents a double wood approach, featuring a vatting of single malts fully matured in first fill bourbon barrels and PX Sherry Hogsheads. Following this, the whiskies undergo a marrying period in a PX hogshead for several months, allowing the flavors to integrate beautifully.

Bottled exclusively for MIZUNARA, this rich and complex whisky is a true testament to the craftsmanship of Pōkeno Distillery, perfect for those seeking a unique and luxurious drinking experience.

• Region: Highlands (Scotland)
• Distillery: Ardmore
• Age: 9 Years
• ABV: 56.7% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

Tamashii (魂) means soul or spirit in Japanese, and this exclusive bottling was released by MIZUNARA to celebrate its 4th anniversary. Aged for 9 years in a refill bourbon barrel, this Ardmore single cask whisky is a limited edition of only 251 bottles worldwide, with a label designed by Japanese artist Kenro Shinchi.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: A delicate balance of subtle peat smoke, charcoal ash, and earthy notes, intertwined with sweet vanilla, honey, citrus, and fresh tropical fruits like banana.
• Palate: The initial sweetness of vanilla gives way to a briny saltiness, followed by evolving layers of peppery spices, cloves, and hints of dark chocolate.
• Finish: Long and complex, with the rich combination of smoke, spices, and sweetness lingering on the palate.

Review:

WhiskyFun rated this bottling 85 points (SGP 564), with the extract stating:
"Mouth (neat): It’s really good, I’d almost call this ‘good thin peat’. Limoncello, oysters, ashes, riesling, mercurochrome... With water: same, while the body got bigger rather than thinner once water’s been added. Comments: Very good for sure, just rather ‘hesitating’."

This special Ardmore release offers an intriguing mix of smoke, sweetness, and spice, making it a standout addition for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

• Region: Islands, Scotland
• Distillery: Isle of Arran
• Age: 15 Years
• ABV: 52.9% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This Arran 15 Years is a special Private Cask Bottling for MIZUNARA in Hong Kong, matured in a Sherry Hogshead. Bottled at natural cask strength, it perfectly balances the rich sherry influence from the cask with the distinct Arran spirit after 15 years of maturation. Only 302 bottles were produced.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: A rich combination of raisins, apricots, and malty cereals.
• Palate: The sherry flavors shine through with dried fruits and a malty sweetness, offering a well-rounded profile that showcases the depth of the Arran distillery’s character.
• Finish: Long and complex, leaving a lasting impression of the delicate balance between the sherry cask and the spirit.

Review:

Rated 87 points by WhiskyFun (SGP 641), the review notes a solid balance of flavors and complexity. The complete review can be found here.

This bottling is a true treat for sherry cask lovers and Arran whisky enthusiasts, presenting a well-rounded experience of the distillery’s spirit.

• Region: Highlands, Scotland
• Distillery: Royal Brackla
• Age: 15 Years
• ABV: 59.3%
• Size: 700 ml

This exceptional Royal Brackla Whisky was distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2023, having matured in a single cask of refilled hogshead (#11064). With only 217 bottles released worldwide, this whisky is a rare find for enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Opens with inviting notes of sponge cake, vanilla, and butter, complemented by zesty citrus peels, caramel, and toffee.
• Palate: The taste delivers a delightful candied sweetness, enriched with hints of nuttiness, followed by salted caramel and a medley of warm spices.
• Finish: A long and satisfying finish, showcasing warm spices like cloves and cinnamon.

For a truly transformative experience, we highly recommend adding a splash of water. This reveals enhanced citrus and sweet mandarin notes, beautifully balanced with hints of baked tarts, minerality, and saltiness, making it an incredibly enjoyable whisky.

• Region: Speyside, Scotland
• Distillery: Dailuaine
• Age: 14 Years
• ABV: 57.2% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Cask: Sherry
• Size: 700 ml

Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2023, this Silver Seal Dailuaine 14 Years Old is a limited edition from cask number #11067, with only 233 bottles available worldwide.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: The nose is rich with notes of raisin, salty accents, dried plum, and crème brûlée, complemented by creamy nuances, pencil shavings, and hints of leather.
• Palate: The palate reveals a delightful combination of salty and nutty flavors, with a creamy texture and a sweetness from dried fruits, resulting in a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel.
• Finish: The whisky concludes with a medium-length finish, leaving a warm and pleasant aftertaste.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Asaka Distillery, Sasanokawa Shuzo
• Age: 3.5 Years
• ABV: 62% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This Single Cask bottling from the Asaka Distillery is exclusively selected and bottled for MIZUNARA, showcasing the unique character of Japanese whisky. Matured in a First Fill Bourbon Barrel #20090, only 227 bottles have been released across Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Tasting Notes:

• Colour: Pale Gold
• Nose: A vibrant bouquet of fresh fruit aromas, featuring notes of vanilla, honey, and lemon cake.
• Palate: A delightful honeyed sweetness complemented by flavors of green apples, pear, and cooked peaches, with subtle grassy notes that evolve into rich salted buttery undertones.
• Finish: Lingering oak spices that provide a satisfying conclusion to the tasting experience.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to savor the exquisite craftsmanship of the Yamazakura Asaka whisky, a true testament to the art of Japanese whisky-making.

• Region: Japan
• Distillery: Mars Komagatake Distillery
• Age: 6 Years
• ABV: 61% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This Mars Komagatake 2017 Single Malt Heavily Peated whisky, bottled exclusively for MIZUNARA, offers a unique experience with its bold peated profile. Matured in American Oak Bourbon Barrel #BJ3636, this release is limited to only 184 bottles shared across Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Fresh green fruits, sweet citrus, vanilla cookies, and earthy peat smoke.
• Palate: Flavours of lemon tart, salted caramel, smoked bacon, and oak spices.
• Finish: A lingering combination of warm spices, earthy smoke, and dark chocolate.

This is an excellent opportunity to explore the intense complexity of Mars Komagatake’s heavily peated whisky, carefully selected and bottled for MIZUNARA. Perfect for whisky enthusiasts seeking something rare and robust.

• Region: Speyside (Scotland)
• Distillery: Linkwood
• Age: 14 Years
• ABV: 56.8% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This remarkable Linkwood Whisky, distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2022, has been matured in a single cask (#4103) at a Natural Cask Strength of 56.8% ABV. With only 251 bottles released, this whisky is a true collector’s gem.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Inviting aromas of fresh green fruits, including pear and crunchy apple, complemented by caramel, honey, and plums.
• Palate: The initial sweetness is beautifully balanced with fruity plum notes and a touch of hot spices.
• Finish: A medium to long finish characterized by spices, with hints of cardamom and black tea, providing a warming sensation.

• Region: Islay (Scotland)
• Distillery: Caol Ila
• Age: 15 Years
• ABV: 54.1% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This exceptional Caol Ila Whisky was distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2022, having matured in a single cask (#4079) at a Natural Cask Strength of 54.1% ABV. With only 255 bottles released, this whisky is a rare find for enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: A burst of peat smoke complemented by earthy notes, salty seaweed, dried meat, and a hint of honey syrup. The aroma is rounded off with roasty and dried plum sweetness.
• Palate: Features dried fruit sweetness intertwined with salted caramel, grassy notes, and an assertive peat smoke character.
• Finish: Delivers a warming finish with rich dark chocolate undertones.

• Region: Islay, Scotland
  
• Distillery: Bunnahabhain
• Age: 35 Years
• ABV: 46.5% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This special bottling of Bunnahabhain 1988 is part of the "Manta Ray - Genesis" series, a highly exclusive release by Whisky Antique (Silver Seal). Drawn from a single sherry cask (#1024), this whisky was matured for 35 years, with only 60 bottles available, making it a rare gem. The label, designed by The East Asia Whisky Company, features a captivating image of a Manta Ray set against an emerald and pink backdrop, symbolizing the deep marine origins of Islay's famous whiskies.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Old-world charm with rich layers of prunes, old cognac, dates, and figs. There’s also a background of chocolate, moss, roasted pecans, and delicate liquorice, reminiscent of antique Speyside malts.
• Palate: A complex array of flavors with deep, antique characteristics, including bouillons, pipe tobacco, truffles, and puréed chestnuts. There are hints of pears poached in Sauternes and very old fortified wines like Malaga, evoking memories of vintage whiskies from the 1970s and 1980s.
• Finish: Long and refined, leaving a sublime, lingering sweetness with notes of chocolate, roasted nuts, and antique wood.

Accolades:

• Rated 92 Points / 5 Stars by WhiskyFun
• Awarded 98 Points by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)

This bottling has earned high praise, with WhiskyFun describing it as "a time machine," taking whisky enthusiasts back to a golden age of whisky craftsmanship. The vintage characteristics make it an extraordinary experience, with a finish that lingers and evolves.

Availability: Very limited stock due to the exclusive nature of this release.

WhiskyFun Review Extract:
"This is more old-school than the House of Lords... We're deeply reminded of some old Speyside malts by G&M, like pre-war, bottled in the 1970s and 1980s. It is a time machine... It would be a real revelation for young whisky enthusiasts." — SGP:651 - 92 points and 5 Stars.

For more information, read the full review here. 

• Region: Israel
• Distillery: M&H (Milk & Honey)
• Age: 3+ Years
• ABV: 63.8% (Natural Cask Strength)
• Size: 700 ml

This single cask whisky was specially selected by Mizunara, HK, featuring artwork by Indian artist Saumya Bharati, symbolizing the essence of BALANCE in the partnership between M&H and Mizunara. The whisky is a marriage of casks, aged for 2 years and 10 months in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel (char level 3), followed by an additional 5 months in a first-fill ex-PX sherry hogshead (char level 3).

Distilled from a single Concerto variety of unpeated barley grown and malted in England, the cask was filled on 25/03/2018 at 64.5% ABV and matured in M&H’s Jaffa warehouse, allowing the whisky to develop its unique characteristics. Bottled at natural cask strength to preserve the original flavors, it is recommended to add water according to personal preference.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Toffee, caramel, and fresh pencil shavings
• Palate: Sweet cinnamon, cloves, oak spices, and black tea
• Finish: Sour fruits and cocoa bitters at the end

This whisky is described as a perfect Christmas dram, pairing beautifully with cakes, puddings, chocolates, and festive occasions.

Note: This product is labeled as Kosher.

Additionally, the regular Sherry Cask expression from M&H, bottled at 46%, was awarded the World's Best Single Malt by the 2023 World Whiskies Awards.

• 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.