Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky is a 48% ABV (96 proof), 700mL lightly peated single malt from the Kanosuke Distillery on Fukiagehama Beach in Kagoshima, Japan — the whisky house of Komasa Jyozo, founded in 2017 and distilling since 2018. It is made from 100% malted barley, double-distilled across the distillery's three differently shaped Miyake copper pot stills, and bottled non-chill-filtered with no added coloring. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

Kanosuke matures its whisky in a signature mix of re-charred American oak casks that once held the family's Mellowed Kozuru rice shochu, alongside ex-bourbon and sherry casks — an average of three to five years in Kagoshima's coastal climate. This core bottling won Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Tasting profile: banana, lemon cake and Japanese confectionery on the nose; ginger, candied quince and a wisp of camp smoke on the palate; a finish of salty sea air. Browse the Kanosuke brand collection, more Japanese whisky, and the full whiskey collection at Del Mesa Liquor.

Serving note: try it neat to catch the coastal salinity, or in a highball with soda and ice — the classic Japanese serve.

Where is Kanosuke distilled? At the Kanosuke Distillery on Fukiagehama Beach, Kagoshima, Japan, by Komasa Jyozo — double-distilled in three Miyake copper pot stills.

What casks does Kanosuke use? Re-charred American oak casks that previously held Mellowed Kozuru rice shochu, plus ex-bourbon and sherry casks.

Has Kanosuke Single Malt won awards? Yes — Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

What is the ABV and size? 48% ABV (96 proof), 700mL, non-chill-filtered with no added coloring.