Shinobu Pure Malt Mizunara Oak 70cl

A blended malt from the Shinobu range, Koshi-No is initially matured in a duo of bourbon and sherry casks. It's then transferred to Japanese Mizanura oak for a finishing period before bottling at 43% ABV. A wonderful combo of red fruit, citrus and wood influence.

The Koshi-No is a pure (blended) malt whiskey that is finished in mizunara barrels. Mizunara is a Japanese oak species that has a very aromatic influence on whisky. The whiskeys used are sourced from various distilleries, because Shinobu has not been in production long enough. In accordance with the new rules, it is therefore not called Japanese whisky. The whiskey is not cold filtered and has its natural colour.

A marriage of 50% malt and 50% grain whisky, it's first matured in sherry and bourbon casks before a finishing period in Japanese Mizunara oak. Nicely buttery and woody, and ought to make a fabulous Highball.

The Shinobu distillery is located in Niigata prefecture on the main island of Honshu. The name means “tolerance”. The distillery emerged from the Niigata Beer Co.. Brewmaster Ken Usami is a great whiskey lover and making his own whiskey is his big dream. In 2017, he received a license to distill whiskey, the very first in Niigata prefecture. The distillery is still under construction. Until then, Usami is experimenting with blending whiskeys from around the world.

Tasting Notes

Nose: aromas of vanilla, plums, candied orange peels, toffee, sweet smoke, roasted hazelnuts, herbal tea, sandalwood, mint and spices.

Taste: very soft with notes of citrus fruit, vanilla, sweet spices and smoky oak.

Finish moderate with hints of pepper & wood spice

About Shinobu

Shinobu is a Japanese whisky brand established in 2017 by Ken Usami, a brewer and founder of Niigata Beer Co. Ltd. in Niigata prefecture, Japan. Although the distillery is still under construction, Usami blends Scotch malt and grain whiskies, maturing them in bourbon and sherry casks before a finishing period in prized Japanese Mizunara oak, resulting in unique flavour profiles often featuring notes of red fruit, citrus, and woody, incense-like spice. The brand is known for its use of Mizunara oak and a balance of modern techniques with traditional Japanese influences, creating a "Japanese whisky experience" despite the whiskey being sourced from around the world.

43% ABV

70cl