Shibui Single Grain Small Batch Sherry Cask 8 Year is a Japanese rice whisky from the Shinzato Distillery on Okinawa, matured for eight years exclusively in manzanilla and fino sherry casks. It is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
Shinzato Distillery was established in 1846. It ferments premium long-grain Indica rice with Okinawan black koji and single-distills the wash in a stainless steel pot still, the same craft used for the island's traditional spirits. The whisky is then matured, and bottled, at Shinzato.
Eight years in refill manzanilla and fino casks give it delicate sherrywood flavors of plum flesh, damson jam, dried apricot, sticky dates and fine dry spices. The nose recalls grilled pineapple à la mode; the palate brings Bananas Foster and grilled pineapple with sweet toasted oak and spice; and the finish is long, soft and complex.
Presented in its white gift box, it is an unusual and memorable gift for Japanese whisky fans.
Japanese whisky has earned a worldwide reputation for balance and precision, and limited releases from its historic distilleries are among the most sought-after bottles for collectors.
Koji, the mold used to make sake and shochu, converts the starches in rice to fermentable sugars, and the black koji native to Okinawa adds a rich, rounded character.
Manzanilla and fino are the driest, lightest styles of sherry, so their casks add delicate fruit and nutty notes rather than heavy sweetness.
Single grain whisky is made from grains other than malted barley alone, and rice-based whisky is one of Japan's most distinctive styles.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Grilled pineapple à la mode.
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Palate: Bananas Foster, grilled pineapple, sweet toasted oak and spice.
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Finish: Long, soft and complex.
Specifications
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Brand: Shibui
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Distillery: Shinzato Distillery, Okinawa (est. 1846)
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Style: Single grain Japanese whisky
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Grain: Indica long-grain rice, black koji
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Still: Single distilled, stainless steel pot still
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Age: 8 years
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Casks: Manzanilla and fino sherry
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Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
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Region: Okinawa, Japan
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or with a single cube, or try it in a highball. It pairs with tropical fruit desserts, bananas Foster or salted caramel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it made from?
Long-grain Indica rice with Okinawan black koji.
Where is it made?
Shinzato Distillery on Okinawa, founded in 1846.
What casks are used?
Manzanilla and fino sherry casks, for eight years.
Explore more in our Japanese Whisky collection.
