Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still Japanese Whisky (51% - 700ml)
Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still Japanese Whisky
Probably the first Japanese Pot Still whisky, Master Blender Yoshitsugu Komasa wanted to create a “bridge” between the shochu tradition and whisky, drawing inspiration from his visits to Ireland.
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Apricot -
Butter
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Salt
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Vanilla
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Ginger
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Nessuna
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Bassa
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Media
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Alta
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This particular Japanese pot still is produced at the Hioki Distillery (sister distillery to Kanosuke, located just a few minutes away in the Hioki area of Kagoshima). The Hioki Distillery is part of the Komasa Jyozo group and has been active since 1883 producing shochu; it received the license to distill grain whisky in 2020.
The Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still is a distillate created following an Irish-style recipe, with a mash bill that includes a very large proportion of unmalted barley and malted barley (many sources report a 90-10 ratio), double distilled in two 6,000-litre stainless steel pot stills. The new make is then aged in new American white oak casks and ex-bourbon barrels before being bottled at 51% ABV, without chill-filtration and at its natural colour.
Awards
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC)
2024: Gold
World Whiskies Awards (WWA)
2025: Silver
| Distillery/Brand | Kanosuke |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Region | Kagoshima |
| Style | Single Pot Still |
| Bottle | 700ml |
| Peat level | Unpeated |
| ABV | 51% |
| Box | Cardboard box |
Color: Light amber.
Nose: On the nose it opens with a buttery and pastry-like aroma reminiscent of a fresh buttered bun or a freshly baked madeleine, accompanied by delicate notes of Japanese citrus fruits, ripe apricot, plum compote and a veil of vanilla.
Palate: On the palate it is surprisingly dense, oily and velvety despite the 51% ABV, which integrates perfectly and never feels aggressive. The buttery creaminess coats the tongue, revealing a rich yet balanced sweetness: orange and apricot marmalade, salted butter, fresh almond, vanilla and a pleasant slightly salty touch that balances everything.
Finish: Medium length, warm with dominant notes of vanilla followed by ginger, cinnamon and a delicate, lingering sweetness.
