Ohishi 8 Year Old Ex-Sherry Cask Whisky, Japan

Ohishi 8 Year Old Ex-Sherry Cask Whisky stands as a testament to the skillful blend of tradition and innovation at the heart of Japanese whisky-making. This exceptional spirit is crafted using rice sourced from the lush fields surrounding the distillery and pristine waters from the Kuma River, reflecting the pure essence of its origins.

Product Details:

• Spirit Type: Japanese Whisky
• Region: Kumamoto, Japan
• Mashbill: 100% Rice
• Aging: 8 years in ex-Sherry casks
• Alcohol: 43% ABV
• Production: Crafted using traditional pot stills; distilled from estate-grown rice varieties
• Ownership: Ohishi Distillery, operated by the Oishi family for six generations

Sensory Description:

The Ohishi 8-Year-Old is a harmonious blend of deep flavors and aromas. It presents a bouquet of sweet vanilla on the nose, intertwined with delicate floral notes and subtle fruity undertones that promise a rich-tasting experience. The palate is treated to a luxurious array of dark dried fruits, complemented by warm cinnamon and a hint of tobacco, culminating in a smooth and sophisticated finish. This whisky is a brilliant showcase of how aging sherry cask can enhance rice-based spirits' natural flavors, offering a complex and balanced profile.

Distiller’s Background:

Ohishi Distillery, established in 1872, is nestled in the scenic Kumamoto mountains near Mizukami-mura. With its proximity to the source of the Kuma River, the distillery benefits from some of the finest water in Japan. Under the guidance of Kazunori Oishi, the sixth-generation Master Distiller, Ohishi continues its long-standing shochu production tradition and has also excelled in crafting distinctive rice whiskies. Innovative agricultural techniques such as employing koi fish to maintain organic weed control in rice paddies exemplify the distillery's commitment to natural and sustainable practices.

The distillery's approach to whisky making is both innovative and respectful of tradition, as evidenced by its use of various cask types for aging, including brandy, port, Islay Scotch, and sakura casks, alongside the primary sherry casks. This diversification in cask usage allows Ohishi to offer a wide range of unique and expressive spirits.

Serving Suggestions:
Ohishi 8 Year Old Ex-Sherry Cask Whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a slight splash of water to fully appreciate its depth and complexity. It pairs beautifully with rich desserts such as dark chocolate fondant or a spiced plum tart, making it a perfect after-dinner drink.

In every bottle of Ohishi 8 Year Old, whisky enthusiasts will discover a piece of Japanese heritage, crafted with passion and precision, offering a unique and memorable drinking experience.