Description
Shirakawa Distillery was built in the Fukushima Prefecture in 1939 and demolished in 2003. In 1951 it became one of the first distilleries in Japan to produce malt whisky and it continued to do so uninterrupted until 1969.
In 2019, Single Malt Whisky from Shirakawa Distillery was discovered in a stainless steel tank, which had lain forgotten in one of its parent company’s warehouses for decades. This 1958 release is the earliest-known single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled.
Each bottle of this historic single malt is presented in a beautiful gold and blackened wood box which opens to reveal the whisky bathed in the glow from a golden background.
There is a wealth of beautiful detail to discover, from the multiple nods to Japanese tradition to the illustration based on a rare photograph of Shirakawa distillery in its heyday.
TASTING NOTES
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Dave Broom, whisky writer
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NOSE
Resinous, slight dry earth, dried citrus peels, a hint of wax. Aromatic. A drop of water makes it more vibrant and also shows clear maturity as well as a hint of incense. Exotic.
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PALATE
The palate is expansive with a succulent texture and hints of fragrant grass. Fruits emerge in the middle. Layered, spiced, and dry. Water brings out ash from an incense burner, a satisfying mouthfeel and surprisingly perky acidity.
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FINISH
Nicely balanced and persistent on the finish which picks up mint flavouring and makes it more camphor-like.
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