Makoto 23 Year Old is a rare single grain Japanese whisky from the Kumesen Distillery in Okinawa, aged for 23 years in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 42% ABV. It is the second expression in Makoto's Bushido series, following the 17 Year Old, and it received 93 points from Whisky Advocate.
Makoto means sincerity, one of the virtues of bushido, the code of the samurai, and the series is presented with samurai imagery: the box shows a golden samurai helmet against a black background. Inside is a single grain whisky bottled after more than two decades in cask.
Long maturation in ex-bourbon casks in Okinawa's warm climate gives the whisky a rich, sweet profile. On the nose come ginger, spice and a subtle buttery caramel. The palate brings dark chocolate, a touch of cinnamon, hard lemon candy and melted caramel sweetness, and the finish is sweet and lasting, with licorice and a trace of wood.
With its striking samurai packaging and a 23-year age statement, Makoto is a distinctive bottle for collectors of Japanese whisky and a memorable gift.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Ginger, spice and a subtle buttery caramel.
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Palate: Dark chocolate, a touch of cinnamon, hard lemon candy and melted caramel.
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Finish: Sweet and lasting, with licorice and a trace of wood.
Specifications
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Producer: Kumesen Distillery (Makoto)
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Style: Japanese Single Grain Whisky
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Expression / Batch: Bushido series
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Age: 23 years
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Proof / ABV: 84 proof (42% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Ex-bourbon casks
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Region: Okinawa, Japan
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it neat to enjoy the caramel and lemon notes, or with a splash of chilled water to open it up; it also makes a luxurious highball. Pair it with dark chocolate, yuzu desserts or grilled fish. In its samurai box, it is an eye-catching gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Makoto made?
At the Kumesen Distillery in Okinawa, Japan.
How old is Makoto 23?
It is aged 23 years in ex-bourbon casks.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 42% ABV, or 84 proof.
Explore more in our Japanese Whisky collection.
