KANOSUKE Double Distillery, 53% ABV

Kanosuke Distillery is the rising star within the whisky scene, located near Kagoshima in Kyushu. The distillery started its operations in 2017, and is owned by parent Shochu maker, Komasa Jyozo, and with that we hope to see some cross-pollination of techniques employed in shochu making into whisky production.

The distillery was named after Komasa Jyozo's second distiller, Kanosuke Komasa, paying tribute to the region's unique locality, the distillery's rich history and the distillers' innovation and ideas.

“Kanosuke DOUBLE DISTILLERY” is a Japanese whisky made at the two distilleries owned by the Komasa family in Kagoshima, on Japan’s southwest coast. Yes, you read that correctly, it's double distillery not double cask!

The carefully crafted recipe brings out the distinctive characteristics of each distillery – a vatting of pot still barley whisky distilled at Hioki (comprising of malted and unmalted barley), and single malt distilled at Kanosuke. Both spirits are aged at Kanosuke, continuing a tradition of barrel aged spirits tarted by Kanosuke Komasa.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Vanilla, Mint, Melon, Peach, Apricot, Lemongrass

Taste: Rich, Cinamon, Black tea, Orange, Clove

Finish: Oaky, Rich fruit aroma, Well balances with touch of bitterness

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up dram' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the spirit, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!