Supreme Kobe Brandy Rare Cask 20 Year Old is one of the rarest Japanese brandies to reach the United States: a grape brandy from Kobe, aged for two decades and presented in a heavy, square crystal-style decanter with a hand-brushed calligraphy label. It is a bottle for collectors who want to explore Japan beyond whisky.
The brandy comes from Kobe Yubina Estate, a Kobe wine estate. Rather than distilling young, freshly clarified wine, the master distiller builds this brandy on well-aged wine, which brings extra depth before distillation even begins. The wine is then distilled twice in a Charentes-style pot still, the same type of still used in Cognac, producing a spirit with fine aromatics and a rounded texture. That spirit then rests for 20 years in oak before bottling at 45% ABV, a little above the usual brandy strength, which gives it extra body and length.
Japan's craft distillers are known for patience and precision, and two decades in cask is a long time for any brandy, let alone one from a region better known for its wine. The label's large brushstroke characters spell out Kobe, the port city at the heart of the estate's identity, and the gold-on-cream label notes its 20 years of ageing. The bottle is presented in a tall black gift box with gold detailing, making it an exceptional gift.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Dried figs, apricots, vanilla and oak.
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Palate: Honey and dried fruit, with dark chocolate.
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Finish: Long, with dried fruit and dark chocolate.
Specifications
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Producer: Kobe Yubina Estate
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Style: Japanese Grape Brandy
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Expression / Batch: Supreme Kobe Brandy, Rare Cask
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Age: 20 years
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Proof / ABV: 90 proof (45% ABV)
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Distillation: Double distilled in a Charentes-style pot still from aged wine
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Region: Kobe, Japan
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it neat at room temperature in a tulip or snifter glass and give it a few minutes; the figs and apricots open first, followed by honey and chocolate. At 45% ABV, a drop or two of water can soften it if you like. It pairs naturally with dark chocolate, dried apricots or a mild cigar, and it makes a memorable gift for anyone who collects Japanese spirits or fine cognac.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Supreme Kobe Brandy made?
It is distilled twice in a Charentes-style pot still from well-aged wine, then aged for 20 years.
What proof is Supreme Kobe Brandy 20 Year Old?
It is bottled at 45% ABV, which is 90 proof.
Who makes Supreme Kobe Brandy?
It is made by Kobe Yubina Estate in Kobe, Japan.
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