As the Japanese Whiskey market keeps expanding we find ourselves pleasantly surprised when exploring the lesser known brands. Among our favorite new Japanese whiskies is The Shinobu.
Translating to forbarance, Shinobu symbolizes the spirit of the Samurai. Patient, exhibiting restraint and tolerance; the same qualities necessary to craft each spirit.
Shinobu Distillery is located in Niigata, Japan where Ken Usami first began crafting beer. You read that correctly, he was a brewer before his long passion for distilling came to fruition in 2017.
Although Usami's is relatively new to the whisky business, his desire to craft a unique spirit has paid off; most notably with The Shinobu 10yr Old.
Aged for 10yrs in bourbon and sherry casks before it's transferred to Japanese Mizanura oak imparts heavy earthy and woody notes, but it's the blend of spices and sweetness that keeps us pouring more. Typically anything aged has a strong astringency associated with it, but this blended malt is smooth and easy to drink. No wonder it won a Gold Medal in the 2020 SFWSC .
Notes: Smooth, Medium-bodied. Aromas and flavors of vanilla, coffee, citrus and wood
Pairings: Flank Steak, ribs, Camembert cheese,
Serving Suggestions: Neat or with single ice cube
Region: Japan
Alcohol Content: 43%
Translating to forbarance, Shinobu symbolizes the spirit of the Samurai. Patient, exhibiting restraint and tolerance; the same qualities necessary to craft each spirit.
Shinobu Distillery is located in Niigata, Japan where Ken Usami first began crafting beer. You read that correctly, he was a brewer before his long passion for distilling came to fruition in 2017.
Although Usami's is relatively new to the whisky business, his desire to craft a unique spirit has paid off; most notably with The Shinobu 10yr Old.
Aged for 10yrs in bourbon and sherry casks before it's transferred to Japanese Mizanura oak imparts heavy earthy and woody notes, but it's the blend of spices and sweetness that keeps us pouring more. Typically anything aged has a strong astringency associated with it, but this blended malt is smooth and easy to drink. No wonder it won a Gold Medal in the 2020 SFWSC .
Notes: Smooth, Medium-bodied. Aromas and flavors of vanilla, coffee, citrus and wood
Pairings: Flank Steak, ribs, Camembert cheese,
Serving Suggestions: Neat or with single ice cube
Region: Japan
Alcohol Content: 43%