A Limited-Production Collectible from an Esteemed Producer
Fukano 10 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Cask Japanese Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)
“This is easily one of the most delicious Japanese Whiskies on the shelf right now.”
—David Othenin-Girard, K&L SoCal Spirits Buyer

It has been years since we’ve been able to offer an exclusive cask of Japanese whisky with this kind of age statement, and what a whisky it is! The very pinnacle of elegance and refinement, this 10 Year Old glides effortlessly across the palate, revealing a cascade of citrus, orchard fruit, vanilla, ginger, and so much more. Most often we see 7-year-old renditions and they are absolutely captivating, but this 10 Year Old takes things to an entirely new level. As the tasting notes below will attest, the Fukano is not short on personality, offering a drinking experience that’s as engaging as it is hedonistically satisfying. Perhaps what is most remarkable (apart from its scarcity) is how youthful the spirit comes across even at 10 years of aging. Lively and vivacious, it is destined to become the go-to dram for many. This barrel produced a scant 216 bottles, so there isn’t a lot to go around. Don’t miss out on this rare treat from one of the most respected and esteemed distillers in Japan.

Fukano 10 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Cask Japanese Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)

This exceptional single barrel from the premier producer of malted rice whisky in Japan reaches new levels of elegance. Aged for ten long years in toasted brandy puncheons, the oak still takes a backseat to this exceptionally smooth and fruit forward spirit. Nonetheless, we’re reaching the upper limits of what we’ve experienced in terms of aging this type of spirit and it retains plenty of texture without exhibiting any overt rice or sake flavors. Instead, expect complex aromatics with a strong citrus and subtle vanilla quality. Hints of white rose, acacia, citrus oil, and mint. On the palate, it’s very round and soft, discarding the youthfulness on the nose for some gorgeous exotic spice and marmalade notes. Definitely one of the most interesting of the rice whiskies we’ve yet come across. We’re very happy to see older age statements starting to creep their way out of this idiosyncratic distillery

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 11, 2019

We’ve had several casks of Fukano in the past. The style is usually very restrained and elegant with more subtlety than intensity. But, most of those casks were bottled around 7 years old. It’s incredible what 3 additional years in barrel does to this unusual spirit. Gone are the light floral and rice-y aromas. They’re replaced by dense orchard fruit, a sweet concentrated perfume of tropical nectars, clean green aromas of mint, sorrel, and anise. The whisky explodes onto the tongue with creamy citrus, cake frosting, brioche, and subtle oak spice. Some of the haters denigrate these products for being rice distillates. But, I contend that even the most jaded critic would be hard pressed to argue with the pure joy that is captured in the bottle. Yes, it may not be whisky in Japan but it’s whisky here and it tastes FANTASTIC. Don’t have a closed mind because this is easily one of the most delicious Japanese Whiskies on the shelf right now. One of only 216 bottles.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 26, 2019

Stunning aromatics. Sweet, floral, fruity, spicy, a splash of umami. You’d never expect rice whisky to gain so much complexity, but here it is. The real advantage the rice seems to enjoy is a silky texture after just 10 years – certainly ancient by the standards of what we’ve seen so far in the category. I feel we’ve just begun to plumb the depths of what rice distillate has to offer and with each incredible bottling I get more excited to explore further.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 21, 2019

What a bright and fragrant nose – this is zippy. Granny Smith apple and coconut battle it out with fresh orange, lemon zest, and yuzu peel. Sandalwood and floral elements emerge and tickle the nostrils. On the palate, the first thing that stands out is the textural experience: it seems so light and thin on the tongue, but then the whisky somehow attaches with waxy grip. Dark honey, lilac, and more apple flavors emerge with a little oak spice. Herbal notes of mint and licorice assert themselves on the mid-palate offering dark and cooling notes temporarily. The finish is warming, friendly, and creamy with more honeyed sweetness and moderate oak spice.

Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 11, 2019

Fukano once again proves that rice-based distillates can achieve flavors and concentration just as pronounced and delectable as their malted barley counterparts. The oak provides tremendous texture, but the flavors are balanced and sweet. Ample butterscotch, aromatic vanilla, candied citrus, and summer flowers all humbly but firmly vie for attention. The finish boasts honey and chamomile but with a spicy ginger element that offsets the sweetness perfectly. Whether a seasoned whisky afficionado or a casual newcomer, this bottle is sure to satisfy most anyone’s palate.

Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 11, 2019

I am a huge fan of Japanese Whiskies but few are as distinct as the selection from Fukano. Sure, it’s rice based which may throw some people off. But, this has a lovely elegance on the palate that has tropical fruit notes of papaya, dried mango, and a hint of coconut. A light caramelization of said fruit gives it a long finish. This is one of the best whiskies I have tasted from this producer!

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 09, 2019

Never have I had a whiskey that reminded me so much of a candy I used to eat as a kid. Growing up, my grandmother always had pieces of Chan Pui Mui (preserved plum candy) in her purse with which to bribe me. Something about the sweet, salty, sour “candy” really did it for me and this dram reflects a lot of those flavors. On the nose there’s peach pit, sherry, and brown sugar and they all combine to create that preserved plum candy aroma and even more so on the palate. This whiskey has a light body but plenty of depth and is not too hot. Again, this tasted like my liquid childhood candy dreams. This is definitely one of the best rice whiskies I’ve encountered, tasting more like whisky and less like sake. I wanted a little more out of the finish but it did leave with a nice baking spice note that seemed to stick to my tongue like a magnet and a soft nougat-y sweetness.