Kujira Ryukyu 15 Year Old Japanese Whisky offers a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, crafted in the subtropical Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa. Distilled by Masahiro Shuzo and owned by the prestigious Shin Group Corp., this whisky is a tribute to Japan’s rich heritage and the unique climate that accelerates maturation, resulting in a bold and aromatic spirit.
Nose: Enticing aromas of dried plums and candied fruits mingle with refreshing hints of mint and rich chocolate, inviting you into a complex sensory experience.
Palate: The taste is luxuriously smooth with sweet notes of chocolate, vanilla, and honey, balanced by warming spices, subtle smoky undertones, and the comforting essence of toasty breads. This harmonious combination reflects the whisky’s 15 years of aging in Sherry, Bourbon, and American White Oak casks.
Finish: The finish is remarkably smooth and long-lasting, featuring a delicate sweetness of licorice intertwined with a peppery texture that gently fades into a clean, refined aftertaste.
Produced from 100% premium Indica rice and fermented using Okinawa’s distinctive black koji mold, Kujira Ryukyu Whisky embodies a unique character shaped by its terroir. The warm climate of the Ryukyu Islands accelerates the aging process, enhancing the whisky’s aromatic intensity and depth.
The name Kujira, meaning “whale” in Japanese, symbolizes generosity and peace, reflecting the spirit of the Ryukyu Islands, historically a region marked by resilience and harmony. The whisky’s connection to “INARI,” the god of rice cultivation in Japanese mythology, highlights the importance of rice as the core ingredient, elevating the whisky’s cultural significance.
This exquisite 15-year-old expression is ideal for those seeking a refined and silky-textured whisky with a rich, multi-layered profile. Its meticulous craftsmanship and distinctive regional qualities make it a standout choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.