Lottery applications have begun for the third in the K series from Gaiaflow Shizuoka Distillery, “Single Malt Japanese Whisky Shizuoka Pot Still K Pure Foreign Barley First Edition”.
There are no plans to sell it at the Shizuoka Distillery, and it will be sold by lottery through the mail order site “WHISKY PORT“.
The light and fruity flavor of Distiller K is combined with 100% foreign malt. In addition to bourbon barrels, some sherry barrels are used for aging for the first time. It seems that a different complexity has been added to the flavor. Domestic sales: 3,000 bottles.
1. Lottery application
Lottery applications are now open to ” WHISKY PORT” members only. Click here for the application form.
*Eligible persons: Registered WHISKY PORT members and mail magazine members by March 4, 2023.
Application period: Monday, March 6 to Wednesday, March 8, 23:59
Winners: Winners will be notified and given purchase information only after March 10.
2. Single Malt Japanese Whisky Shizuoka Pot Still K Pure Foreign Barley First Edition
100% foreign barley used
“Pot Still K Pure Japanese Barley First Edition”, a product of the same series released last year, uses 100% Japanese barley malt, which is very rare for a Japanese whisky. Since most domestic whisky distilleries use foreign barley malt, this is an unprecedented appearance of a whiskey whose raw materials are exclusively from Japan.
Since its founding in 2016, Shizuoka Distillery has been brewing barley separately by country of origin. This is not to say that Japanese barley is superior to foreign barley, but rather to bring out the individuality of each barley and to create a diverse range of flavors in each distillate.
The “use of foreign barley” in the product name, which is commonplace in Japanese whisky, expresses the Shizuoka Distillery’s commitment to the terroir. It also expresses our desire for our customers to experience the characteristics of barley produced in different regions.
The malt used in this distillery is also Scottish peated malt. This gives it a smokiness that Japanese barley does not have.
| Product Name |
Single Malt Japanese Whisky Shizuoka Pot Still K |
|---|---|
| By Sake | Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Ingredients | Malt |
| Casks | Bourbon casks, sherry casks |
| Number of bottles sold | 3,000 bottles (sold in Japan) |
| Number of bottles | 55.5% |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Price | 13,970 yen (tax included) |
| Manufacturer | Gaiaflow Distilling Co. |
3. Distiller “K” born in Japan
Shizuoka Distillery’s “Single Malt K” is made exclusively from sake distilled in the “K” distillation machine, which was relocated from the closed Karuizawa Distillery.
This distiller features indirect distillation (heating by steam passing through pipes in the distiller) and a long, thin line arm (pipes leading from the distiller to the cooling system).
First distillation (first distillation) in distiller “K” produces a light and floral base spirit.
In this product, rich sweet, spicy and smoky foreign barley is distilled in distiller K to produce a light and elegant finish while maintaining the original core barley flavor.
4. K series released in the past
4-1. Single Malt Whisky Shizuoka Prologue K
Over 50% Japanese barley malt is used, vatted with malt from England and Canada. It has a woody taste with a light peaty aroma and a pleasant aftertaste.
4-2. Single Malt Japanese Whisky Shizuoka Pot Still K Pure Japanese Barley First Edition
Only distiller K’s original spirit is used, the raw barley malt is 100% Japanese, and bourbon and wine barrels are used for the casks. This special whisky is aged for 3 to 5 years in the rich nature of Shizuoka, Japan.
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled “Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business” .
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan.
(5). Whiskey Rising
This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found.
