The Shinobu 15 Year Old Pure Malt is a blended malt whisky from Japan's Shinobu Distillery, finished in rare Mizunara oak and bottled at 43% ABV.
Shinobu Distillery sits on the north side of Japan near Niigata, about 300 yards from the Sea of Japan. Entrepreneur Ken Usami had been brewing Niigata Beer there for more than twenty years, and in 2017 he became the first person licensed to distil whisky in the prefecture. Shinobu pure malts are made from carefully selected malt whiskies, finished in Mizunara oak.
This 15 year old is honeyed, spicy and fruity, with the incense-like character Mizunara is prized for.
Presented in its striking samurai-illustrated box, it makes a memorable gift.
Enjoy it neat or with a drop of water.
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.
Japanese whisky makers have long drawn on the Scotch tradition, using malted barley, pot stills and long maturation, while developing a distinct style built on balance and precision.
A pure malt, sometimes called a blended malt, brings together malt whiskies from more than one distillery and contains no grain whisky, letting the blender build a fuller, more layered character than any single whisky alone.
Mizunara, Quercus crispula, is a slow-growing Japanese oak that is difficult to cooper and prone to leaking, which makes it rare and costly; whisky rested in it is prized for notes of sandalwood, coconut and incense.
At fifteen years old, the whiskies in this bottling have had long enough in wood to soften and round out before the Mizunara finish adds its distinctive spice.
Tasting Notes
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Character: Honeyed, spicy and fruity.
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Finish: Mizunara oak.
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Age: 15 years.
Specifications
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Producer: Shinobu Distillery (Niigata)
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Style: Japanese Pure Malt (blended malt) Whisky
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Age: 15 years
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Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Mizunara oak finish
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Region: Niigata, Japan
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Enjoy it neat or with a drop of water. It pairs with sushi, honey cake or dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pure malt?
A blend of malt whiskies, with no grain whisky.
What is Mizunara?
Rare Japanese oak prized for an incense-like character.
Where is Shinobu?
Near Niigata, by the Sea of Japan.
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