Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky (48%)

The Kanosuke Single Malt is the flagship whisky of the relatively young Kanosuke Distillery in Kagoshima, southern Japan. While the distillery only began producing whisky in 2017, the Komasa family has generations of experience in shochu production, a background that strongly influences the character of their whisky.

Part of the maturation takes place in ex-shochu casks that previously held the barrel-aged rice shochu Mellowed Kozuru. These casks contribute to the gentle sweetness and refined style that has become a hallmark of Kanosuke whisky.

The distillery works with three differently shaped pot stills, allowing the production team to create several distillate styles that are later carefully combined. The maturation warehouses are located close to the sea, where the coastal climate adds subtle influences during ageing.

The nose reveals notes of honey, banana and lemon tea, followed by caramel and light oak. On the palate the whisky is smooth and layered with flavours of candied quince, ginger and Japanese cinnamon. Hints of roasted nuts and delicate spice appear before a soft, gently bittersweet finish.