KUJIRA Ryukyu Whisky 5 Years White Oak Virgin Cask (With Box)《Terroir Collection - ZTJ179》

Region : Japan

Alcohol : 43%

Volume : 700ml

🌟 The largest and oldest distillery on Okinawa Island

🌟 White oak barrel aging

🏅 San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021 Double Gold

KUJIRA is a representative whisky brand in Okinawa, Japan. Its unique tropical island style and traditional craftsmanship have attracted much attention in the international market.

The KUJIRA (Japanese for "whale") brand originated from Masahiro Shuzo in Okinawa, Japan. The brewery was founded in 1883 and is one of the oldest and largest distilleries in Okinawa. It is also the first distillery in Okinawa to obtain ISO9001 certification. The Ryukyu Dynasty once granted the Higa family a winemaking license, continuing the traditional spirits brewing process of the Ryukyu Islands for 500 years.

The brand is named "whale" because whales in the Ryukyu waters are regarded as the guardian of peace and nature. Historically, the Ryukyu Islands have suffered from wars, and local residents regard whales as a symbol of tolerance and freedom, and place their wishes for peace.

100% imported Thai indica rice (some wines use local Okinawa indica rice) is used for saccharification and fermentation with black koji fungi unique to the Ryukyu Islands, giving the wine a unique rice aroma and tropical fruit flavor.

After distillation in a traditional pot still, the original liquor is aged in first-time American white oak barrels (such as the 5-year and 10-year-old liquors), while the 15-year-old and high-end series are blended and aged in sherry barrels, bourbon barrels and Japanese Mizunara barrels to increase complexity.

The subtropical climate at the southern tip of Okinawa accelerates the interaction between the oak barrels and the liquor, making the liquor structure thick and the aftertaste lasting for a long time.

Distilled from 100% Indica rice, matured in the subtropical latitudes of southern Okinawa, Japan, and aged in first-use white oak barrels. Rich in sweet woody aromas and dark fruit flavors, the wine is smooth and has a sweet aftertaste.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet caramel aroma with hints of vanilla and liquorice, while the wood and spice flavors brought by the oak barrels blend harmoniously.

Taste: caramel sweetness with fresh vanilla and a hint of tannin from the oak barrel

Finish: Soft and sweet, with woody notes and spices such as pepper, leaving a lingering fragrance after drinking.

$520/bottle