10/24/2024
Japanese Whisky Tasting
Thursday, October 24th: 4pm - 6pm
Swing by this evening between 4pm and 6pm for a taste of several Japanese whiskys from the importer High Road Spirits. Lilai Cai from HRS will be on hand to speak about what makes each of these spirits so special.
Akashi Blended Whisky 750ml / 1.8L ($47 / $89)
Eigashima Shuzo (known as White Oak Distillery in Japan) is one of Japan's oldest family-run distilleries with centuries of beverage making experience. Situated just a stone throw's away from Osaka Bay in the fishing village of Akashi, the distillery enjoys a warm, coastal climate all year round. The operation is now run by its ninth generation, recently hiring their 7th full-time employee.
Designed to be an approachable, sipping whisky, Akashi Whisky has a malty, citrusy characteristic complemented by hints of salinity due to its coastal location. This whisky is distilled from wheat, barley and rye with notes of subtle peat, aged in ex-bourbon, barley shochu, and sherry barrels. Flavors of vanilla and pine nuts delight on the palate, leading to a long, wheaty finish.
Akashi Ume Plum Whisky 750ml ($38)
Freshly harvested, Japanese Ume (pronounced ooh-meh) sour plums are added directly to matured barrels of Akashi (white label) Whisky and aged for approximately 6-10 months depending on the season. This balanced, sweet and savory whisky liqueur is a playful twist on a Japanese classic.
Akashi Ume can be sipped neat, on the rocks, served with soda or can be used as a modifier for cocktail recipes that calls for simple syrup or liqueurs.
Mars Komagatake Single Malt Japanese Whisky 2021 Edition 750ml ($199)
Located between Japan’s soaring Southern Alps and the towering Central Alps, at just over 2,600 feet, Mars Shinshu is Japan’s highest whisky distillery. The Hombo family have been distilling for more than a century and added whisky to their repertoire in 1949. At that time the distillery was located in the Tsunuki region of Kagoshima Prefecture on the southern-most island of Kyushu.
The Komagatake Single Malt is Mars Shinshu’s continually evolving series of annual whiskies that showcase the depth generated in this Nagano based distillery. The "2021 Edition" is a 2021 limited bottled single malt whiskey that is aged in bourbon barrels and sherry barrels.
Like previous editions this is an elegant whisky, the flagship of Mars Single Malts. Aromas of honey, and oranges zest with flavors of ripe persimmon and chestnut.
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