Suntory Pure Malt Whisky 1981 Kioke Shikomi is a vintage-dated Japanese pure malt whisky from Suntory, bottled at 43% ABV in a 750ml bottle. It is a genuine "dusty": a discontinued bottle from an era of Japanese whisky that collectors now seek out at auction.
Kioke Shikomi means "made in wooden tubs". It refers to the traditional wooden vessels, or kioke, used in the fermentation of the wash, a technique with deep roots in Japanese brewing. The label also carries red characters for direct-fire distillation (直火蒸留), the old method of heating the stills with an open flame that gives a fuller, more robust spirit.
The bottle is labelled as a Suntory pure malt, the Japanese term for whisky made only from malt, and it is dated 1981. Bottlings from this period come from before the worldwide boom in Japanese whisky, when Suntory released small, experimental expressions mainly for the domestic market. Few were exported, and fewer still survive unopened today.
It comes in its original cream-coloured box, with the Kioke Shikomi name brushed in Japanese calligraphy on both the box and the label, making it an exceptional piece for a Japanese whisky collection or a memorable gift for someone born in 1981.
Expect a classic old-style Japanese malt: honeyed and gently fruity, with malt, soft oak and a light spice, carried by the round texture of a whisky made with wooden-tub fermentation and direct-fired stills.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Honey, orchard fruit and malt
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Palate: Soft oak, malt sweetness and light spice
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Finish: Medium and gently warming
Specifications
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Producer: Suntory
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Style: Japanese pure malt whisky
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Vintage: 1981 (dated on the label)
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Production: Wooden-tub (kioke) fermentation; direct-fire distillation
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Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
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Packaging: Original box
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Origin: Japan
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Pour it neat into a small tulip glass and let it breathe for a few minutes. A drop of water will open up the fruit and malt. Older bottles are best enjoyed slowly and shared with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kioke Shikomi mean?
"Made in wooden tubs", referring to the traditional wooden fermentation vessels.
What does 1981 refer to?
It is the vintage date printed on the label.
Is it still produced?
No. It is a discontinued, vintage-dated bottle.
Explore more in our Japanese Whisky collection.
