The range of Kanosuke whiskeys include Single Malt, Hioki Pot Still, Double Distillery and Limited Edition 2023. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Celebrated for its rich and complex flavours, Kanosuke Whisky offers aficionados a taste of Japanese craftsmanship in distilled spirits.
Produced by Komasa Jyozo in Kagoshima Prefecture, its taste comes from the use of shochu-aged casks and a unique three-pot distillation process.
Komasa Kanosuke Distillery Co Ltd founder and chief executive officer Yoshitsugu Komasa said the brand’s motto “Mellow Land, Mellow Whisky” encapsulates its philosophy.
Crafting smooth whisky is deeply connected to the land and traditions of its origin, he explained of this belief.
“Our distillery has a rich history dating back to 1883 when we initially built our reputation on shochu.
“In 2017, the distillery ventured into whisky production, creating Kanosuke.
“This is a nod to the distillery’s origins, where shochu production was the primary focus.
“After shochu has been aged in these casks, the barrels are then used to age Kanosuke whisky, imparting unique characteristics that are rarely found in other whiskies,” said the fourth-generation master blender during a Kanosuke whisky tasting event at Chapter One Club in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Komasa pointed out that the distillery’s location in Kagoshima, which is closer to the sea, was another key element.
“It has a warmer climate where the water is softer and has more minerals.
“Additionally, the three-pot distillation method, which uses different still designs, each with varying neck lengths and bulb sizes, influences the whisky’s flavour and texture.
“The result is a whisky that offers a wide array of tasting notes, from light and fruity to rich and robust,” he said.
Four different whiskies were featured during a tasting in Kuala Lumpur, namely Kanosuke Single Malt, Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still, Kanosuke Double Distillery and Kanosuke Limited Edition 2023.
The Kanosuke Single Malt is the brand’s flagship whisky, matured in re-charred American white oak ex-“Mellowed Kozuru” aged shochu casks.
Golden amber in colour, it bears notes of honey, banana, lemon tea and caramel, with a taste of Japanese cinnamon, candied quince and subtle smoky notes.
The Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still, on the other hand, is crafted using a mix of unmalted and malted barley distilled in a pot still, followed by maturation in new American white oak casks and bourbon barrels.
It has citrusy notes of apricot and plum, giving it a vanilla taste with a gentle sweetness.
Meanwhile, Kanosuke Double Distillery is made at two distilleries – a pot still barley whisky distilled in Hioki and a single malt distilled in Kanosuke.
It has notes of melon, peach and lemongrass, with an oak and fruity aroma.
Lastly, the Kanosuke Limited Edition 2023 is made with peat malt from 2018 to 2019 and aged primarily in shochu and sherry casks with multiple barrel vatting, and is bottled at cask strength.
“We hope that our range of premium whiskies will offer a unique tasting experience to the Malaysian market, appealing to both seasoned connoisseurs and those new to the world of fine spirits,” said Komasa.
“We have come a long way since my great-grandfather’s time. We also wish to share our passion and the story behind our whiskies with Malaysians,” he added.
Kanosuke Whisky is distributed by Perfecto Group F&B Sdn Bhd and are available at selected liquor retail stores, bars and pubs. ― By JAROD LIM
