The Kujira Ryukyu Single Grain 5 Years best highlights the impact of Okinawa's subtropical climate on the spirit's maturation. In just five years, thanks to the high temperatures and humidity of the Ryukyu Islands, this rice whisky acquires a structure and complexity that would require much more time in continental climates.
Kujira - Ryukyu Single Grain Whisky 5 Years (White Oak)
The Kujira 5 Years is made from the distillation of high-quality Indica rice, fermented with traditional black Koji. The uniqueness of this Single Grain lies in its exclusive aging for a minimum of 5 years in virgin or first-fill American White Oak casks.
While the rice provides a clean, sweet, and silky base, the American white oak infuses the distillate with aromatic richness dominated by sweet and creamy notes. It is an award-winning whisky (gold medal winner in several international competitions), appreciated for its ability to combine the delicacy of Eastern tradition with the strength of American wood.
Sensory Profile
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Color: Warm and luminous amber gold.
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Nose: Sweet and enveloping on the nose. The opening is dominated by hints of bourbon vanilla, caramel toffee, and salted butter. Followed by notes of dried fruit (toasted almonds) and a hint of freshly cut sweet wood.
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Palate: Velvety and medium-full-bodied on the palate. The sweetness of the grain blends with aromas of licorice, honey, and a slight citrus note. The texture is silky, an unmistakable characteristic of Ryukyu whiskies.
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Finish: Good persistence, with a clean finish that returns to notes of vanilla and sweet spices, with a woody touch that is never overpowering.
Production Process Distilled in pot stills by the Kumesen Syuzo distillery, the distillate is placed in American white oak casks. The aging process in Okinawa benefits from accelerated evaporation (high "Angels' Share"), which allows for concentrated maturation and an intense aromatic profile in a short time.
Serving Suggestions This whisky is best enjoyed neat at room temperature or with a few drops of water to release the aromas of Koji. It is equally exceptional served "on the rocks", where the cold temperature accentuates the creaminess of the rice.
Technical Data
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Producer: Kumesen Syuzo
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Type: Ryukyu Single Grain Whisky
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Origin: Okinawa, Japan
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Age: 5 Years
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Raw Material: Indica Rice and Black Koji
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Casks: American White Oak
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Alcohol Content: 43% Vol.
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Format: 70 cl
