Kirin Fuji Single Blended Masterpiece Japanese Whisky 700ml

Kirin Fuji Single Blended Masterpiece Japanese Whisky 700mlProduct Description: This single blended whisky has been produced using four different stills and includes both malt and grain all grown and produced at the distillery. The blend includes whiskies up to 30 years old with an average age of over 15 years, there is also a small amount of peated whisky in the blend. The nose is heady with caramel, dark cherry, poached pears, honey and chocolate. The palate leads with sherry, stewed stone fruits and crisp

Product Description:
This single blended whisky has been produced using four different stills and includes both malt and grain all grown and produced at the distillery. The blend includes whiskies up to 30 years old with an average age of over 15 years, there is also a small amount of peated whisky in the blend. The nose is heady with caramel, dark cherry, poached pears, honey and chocolate. The palate leads with sherry, stewed stone fruits and crisp rye spiciness lingering on the finish.

The ability to produce both malt and grain whiskies puts Fuji Distillery in rarefied air as the only such distillery in Japan, and among only a handful worldwide. This matters because a single blended whisky gives you the ability to fully appreciate the distillery's singular house-style and DNA, all in one. This gives drinkers a real sense of what Fuji Distillery defines itself as, and captures comprehensively what the distillery offers - its terroir, craft and aging climate. So the key takeaway here is that this one's a blend of both malt and grain whiskies, and more importantly, made completely in Japan! It's pretty much one and only at this point.

Maker:

Mt. Fuji is a sacred and inspirational landmark in Japan. Tied to Japan's history, the mountain is a symbol of faith and a source for artistic inspiration. It is only fitting that Fuji Whisky's - Fuji Gotemba Distillery is nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji. It is here that hall of famer Jota Tanaka draws inspiration to craft some of the finest whisky the world has seen. In fact, Jota Tanaka was recently inducted into the World Whisky Awards Hall of Fame, with his 30 years of experience in the industry both in Japan and the U.S., he is only the second Master Blender in Mt. Fuji Distillery’s 48-year history. In addition to Tanaka, Mt. Fuji Distillery has a long standing history of awards and accolades and is considered the leader in Japanese Grain Whisky. 

Mt. Fuji's environment is blessed with lush forests, crystal clear water, and pure air. Their whiskies are delicately fruity and mellow, and have been nurtured over time in this environment, with its unique climate and terroir. For scale, Mt. Fuji Distillery is nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji, 620 meters  above sea level and 12 kilometres from its peak. Being a misty area Mt. Fuji can only be seen about 1/3 of the year, despite being at such a close distance. The high humidity maintained by a year-round blanket of fog, a cool highland climate with a yearly average temperature of 13℃, and air purified by the forests at the foot of the majestic mountain combines to form a unique climate and terroir around the distillery. It turns out this mix of pure natural environment, the cool highland climate with moderate temperature changes and high humidity, is ideal for making whisky resulting in Mt. Fuji Distillery's signature mellow, and delicate flavours on the palate.

Since 1973, Fuji-Gotemba distillery has pioneered and created, combining whisky-making techniques from three countries into one distillery. The renowned Fuji brand, emblem of the distinctiveness of Fuji-Gotemba distillery, has given rise to three unique styles: Single grain, Single Malt, and Single Blended.

Philosophy:

Fuji Gotemba Distillery uniquely features multiple still types to produce four different types of whisk(e)y. There are pot stills for Scotch-style malt, and a range of column stills to make grain whiskies in the Bourbon, Canadian and Scotch styles. Combining Kirin's brewing expertise, Fuji Gotemba Distillery crafts whiskies that are truly distinct from Scotch or Bourbon and tailored to Japanese culture and global enthusiasts.

Covering 520,000 square metres, Fuji Gotemba Distillery is the world's largest distillery. It features separate still rooms for the malt and grain stills and its own cooperage and bottling plant. Its unique setup allows it to produce single malts and single grains on site and the world's first-ever Single Blended Whisky. 

Of course, water plays a vital role in high-quality whisky production. The crystalline water comes from Mt. Fuji, derived from fallen snow, this water source takes 50 years to reach the aquifer that runs 100m deep underground. The water, the climate, and the terroir result in a mellow and delicately fruity range of whiskies, every aspect of which is overseen by Master Blender Jota Tanaka. 

Tasting:

Nose - Buterscotch, Sea Salt, Custard
Rich, dense, decadent butterscotch and a hint of sea salt. A familiar note of White Rabbit milk candy and caramel custard pudding. Cooked fruits as you would expect - poached pears, stewed apples, raisins, baking spices, almost a mulled wine scent. An aromatic cedar woody note as well.

Palate - Honey, Custard, Cooked Fruits
Consistent with its aromas, more honey, custard, vanilla cream, baking spices, as well as cooked fruits, berry jams, mulled wine - a sort of deeper, richer sweetness. It's body is fairly meaty as well, with a silky texture. 

Finish - Buttery, Long, Silky
As it recedes, the oaky astringency becomes more apparent, cutting through the buttery notes upfront. A pretty long finish.  

The Finer Details
Style - Whisky
Country - Japan
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 50%