Ohishi Sherry Cask is a Japanese whisky distilled entirely from rice at Ohishi Distillery in Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu, matured in ex-sherry casks and bottled at 86.8 proof (43.4% ABV).
Ohishi Distillery sits near the Kuma River, a region long celebrated for rice-spirit production. The whisky is distilled from a blend of gohyakumanishi rice and mochi rice, roughly 30% estate grown and 70% sourced from Kumamoto Prefecture, using traditional Japanese stainless steel pot stills. Uniquely, Ohishi uses koi carp in its rice paddies to control weeds organically, an old agricultural technique.
Sherry cask maturation brings layered fruit and oak while keeping a smooth, balanced structure. The nose shows dried fruit, soft sherry sweetness, light oak and subtle spice; the palate offers rounded richness with raisin, fig, gentle caramel and mellow oak; the finish is smooth with lingering dried fruit and polished warmth. It is one of the few whiskies in the world distilled entirely from rice and matured in European sherry wood.
Shown with its gift box, it makes a distinctive gift.
Rice whisky offers a softer, rounder base than barley, which lets the sherry cask influence shine.
Kyushu has a long tradition of rice shochu, and Ohishi brings that expertise to whisky.
A splash of water opens up the raisin and fig notes.
It makes an elegant highball with soda and a twist of lemon.
Pour it alongside a Scotch sherry-cask malt to compare how rice and barley take on the same wood.
The gift box makes it ready to present.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Dried fruit, sherry sweetness, light oak.
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Palate: Raisin, fig, gentle caramel.
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Finish: Smooth, with lingering dried fruit.
Specifications
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Distillery: Ohishi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu
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Style: Japanese rice whisky, sherry cask
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Grain: Gohyakumanishi and mochi rice
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Still: Stainless steel pot stills
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Proof / ABV: 86.8 proof (43.4% ABV)
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Region: Japan
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or with a splash of water, or make a highball with soda. It pairs with sushi, teriyaki or dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it made from?
Rice: gohyakumanishi and mochi rice.
What cask is used?
Ex-sherry casks.
Where is it made?
Ohishi Distillery in Kumamoto, Japan.
Explore more in our Japanese Whisky collection.
