A Can’t-Miss New Contender in the Japanese Whisky Scene
Kirin Fuji Japanese Single Grain Whisky (750ml) ($94.99)
“An excellent choice for anyone looking to try something new in the category or trying to fill a Coffey Grain-shaped hole in your heart.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Our spirits team loves the challenge of sourcing the very best Japanese whiskies available in the U.S. market, but this can be a daunting task due to the fact that many “Japanese” products are actually bulk-produced in other countries and simply marketed as Japanese. It’s made all the more difficult because most truly authentic Japanese whiskies are in such high demand that availability is often non-existent. When one such favorite, the Nikka Coffey Grain, went into strict allocations, it was a tough pill to swallow. But thanks to Kirin Fuji Gotemba, an under-the-radar distillery run by the renowned Japanese beer giant, we have a stellar new alternative to the Coffey Grain that will thrill fans of genuine single-grain whisky from the Land of the Rising Sun. Our buyers were duly impressed by what they found—Andrew Whiteley notes that the Fuji “rivals the best grain whiskies we’ve ever bottled from Scotland,” and David Othenin-Girard declares, “What’s most striking about this product is simply how overtly delicious it is … it’s simply a wonderful thing to have in your glass.” Long-time fanatics and newly curious explorers of Japanese whisky can all rejoice in this stellar new entry to the market, so stock up while you can.

Kirin Fuji Japanese Single Grain Whisky (750ml) ($94.99)

K&L Notes: Produced by the Japanese brewing giant Kirin in the Fuji Gotemba distillery situated on the southeastern side of Mt. Fuji, this single-grain whisky is Kirin’s entry into the U.S. market. The distillery houses an unusual still setup. They have pot stills in addition to a column/doubler setup similar to what you’d see in Kentucky, allowing them to produce a wide range of styles in one facility. By having multiple types of distillate at their disposal, the facility can produce a complex single grain. The end result is a grain whisky that offers a wider range of flavors, weights, and textures than you’re likely to find in any Scottish single grain that has been produced to simply bulk out single malt when making blended Scotch. If you’ve loved Nikka’s Single Grain in the past, this whisky is for you.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 18, 2022

Japanese whisky is one of the most complicated categories in the spirits world thanks to lax regulation on how things are labeled and a plethora of less-than-scrupulous actors hoping to make a quick buck. However, the fact remains that there are a number of extraordinarily high-quality producers of spirits in Japan who are committed to delivering nothing but the best. The Kirin Fuji Gotemba distillery is one such producer. It has been in operation since 1973 and quietly produced excellent spirits in a variety of styles for many years. The distillery makes both grain and malt distillates on a number of different still setups giving them tremendous flexibility. The new release under the Kirin Fuji label is a Japanese single grain that rivals the best grain whiskies we’ve ever bottled from Scotland. Bottled at 46% ABV, it is a miraculous combination of sweet and spicy. It’s a lovely rose gold color in the glass and gives rich vanilla barrel notes on the nose. Sweet stone fruit mixes with cinnamon and fresh ginger root. The nose also presents a distinct wood profile that shows there is some significant time in barrel, although we are lacking an age statement. The palate is soft and supple. Fresh fruits dipped in whipped cream and drizzled in maple syrup come to mind. There is a whiff of cocoa. On the backend, more spice comes out. Nutmeg, cinnamon, rye grass, ginger snap cookies, and a lengthy profile of sweet wood seems to linger for minutes. It’s an impressive showing for the first U.S. import under this label and a welcome addition to the Japanese portfolio at K&L.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 05, 2022

Many people are rightfully skeptical of new Japanese whisky. Indeed, there are so many fake and/or low-quality products on the market, the industry has collectively agreed to stop the obfuscation that has led to multitude of sub-par “Japanese” whiskies. But ultimately the great distillers of Japan make exceptional whisky across the board, even when they might blend in a bit of Scotch. The few distillers that do release Japanese-distilled whisky are often times extremely hard to get. There are several famous names that were once very available that are now ultra-allocated. One of the saddest departures from regular appearance on our shelves is the wonderful Nikka Coffey Grain whisky. That lovely, high-quality grain whisky was many drinkers’ introduction to the category. Now, we have very little non-imported grain available, and most are usually made using sochu-style methods. That’s where this excellent whisky comes in. The Fuji Gotemba distillery has long been prized in Japan thanks to it’s high-quality techniques and pure water source. Located at the base of Mt Fuji, the label has rebranded for the release of this highly anticipated grain and is known simply as Fuji. What’s most striking about this product is simply how overtly delicious it is. Not as wood-driven or nutty as the Nikka Coffey, but with much more texture or character than any Scottish grain, it’s simply a wonderful thing to have in your glass. Let’s taste it! The color is yellow gold. Immediately, a pungent basket of fresh ripe stone and citrus fruit. Subtle, nutty character and hints of both vanilla and cinnamon. The entry is honeyed and very sweet before adding some baking spice, gingersnap cookies, fresh biscuits, and a touch of licorice bark. It’s so easy to drink, but not at all boring or monodimensional. An excellent choice for anyone looking to try something new in the category or trying to fill a Coffey Grain-shaped hole in your heart.