A New K&L Favorite Japanese Single Cask Whisky Ohishi Single Sherry Cask #1023 Japanese Whisky ($74.99)

Back in May we brought to you Ohishi’s Single Sherry Cask and it was an instantaneous hit. If we ever had any question whether single cask rice whiskies have a place in the market, the Ohishi answered with a resounding, “YES!” Given the enthusiastic response we went back to the well, or in this case the distillery, and were able to procure another barrel of this remarkable spirit. Every bit as good as the last cask, this bottling is so lively and so demonstrative it’s impossible not to become enraptured. Graced with ample notes of orchard fruit, raisins, honeyed nuts, cocoa, brown sugar, vanilla, and touches of earth it sings from start to finish. While packed with flavor, there is a composed presentation here which draws all of its many components into a superlative package with unparalleled balance. If you are a fan of Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Nikka, but are having a hard time tracking them down, then this is an ideal alternative. As with the last cask, there’s little chance this beauty will stay on our shelves long. Add to this the fact that we aren’t sure when we’ll be able to get another, this definitely becomes a must-act opportunity.

Ohishi “‘K&L Exclusive”‘ Single Sherry Cask #1023 Japanese Whisky (750ml) ($74.99)

The Ohishi distillery is located on the banks of the Kuma River, one Japan’s fastest flowing rivers. The distillery was founded in 1872 and produces some of the most exciting whisky coming out of Japan. Ohishi grows at least 30% of the rice that they distill, and the fertile soils and exceptional growing climate make for some of the finest base ingredients available. The strain of rice is called “gohyakumanishi” (meaning “five million stones”), and an organic method of cultivation is utilized that requires the use of koi carp for weed control. The rest of the grain is procured from local farms in Kumamoto prefecture and is of the short grained Mochi variety. The grains are partially malted and then distilled on the traditional Japanese stills before being filled into ex-sherry and brandy casks and aged for a long time time in high-altitude warehouses. This cask brings in a great balanced sherry influence and definitely feels more like Scotch than our single cask from the Fukano Distillery. This cask will likely be the only one we get for a while, considering the recent events in Kumamoto prefecture. Our last cask sold out in a flash, so we can expect this special cask to go very quickly as well.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 13, 2016

This magic little cask of Ohishi proves again there is just nothing wrong with rice whisky, nothing at all. The nose is wonderfully fresh and keeps you on your feet for a big dose of fresh cut apple, followed by a deep dark Oloroso note, and sweet caramelized citrus. Subtle yet full of life, the whole thing builds and brings you some lovely hints of funk around these very pretty fruit flavors. The palate is pretty weighty, but balance is the key factor. The freshness isn’t lost at all, and some cocoa and barrel spice along with dark vanilla bean and slight earthy warehouse funk take over. It’s so utterly drinkable it will be difficult to put down, if you know what I’m saying. Beware!

Olivia Ragni | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 09, 2016

What I love about the Ohishi is the combination of the beautiful texture you get from distilled rice and the wonderful balance of sherry characteristics imparted from again in sherry barrels. Aromas of white flowers and almonds lead to a soft palate of cocoa, almond skins, toasted walnuts, and raisins.