Shibui 10 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky

Shibui 10 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky is a 43% ABV (86-proof) 10-year-old 100%-malt world whisky from the Niigata Range — a marriage of Japanese and Lowland Scotch malt whiskies matured at least ten years in American ex-bourbon barrels and European Oloroso sherry casks, finished in rare Japanese mizunara oak. Double copper pot distilled, non-chill filtered, natural color. Crowned Best Asian Whisky in the World at the 2023 International Wine & Spirit Competition with 96 points. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV/Proof: 43% ABV / 86 proof
• Size: 750mL
• Aging: Minimum 10 years — ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, mizunara oak finish
• Origin: Niigata Range, Japan — marriage of malt whiskies from Niigata, Japan and the lowlands of Scotland
• Production: 100% malted barley; double copper pot still; non-chill filtered; natural color

The Trophy Bottle

In 2023, the International Wine & Spirit Competition gave this whisky 96 points — the highest score awarded to any Japanese whisky that year — and named it the Best Asian Whisky in the World. It is the age-stated flagship of Shibui's Niigata Range, and it shows why the range exists: ten-plus years in bourbon and sherry wood, a mizunara finish, and a malt blend drawn from two countries. IWSC judges found "gorgeous floral nose of freshly ground barley, honeyed fruitcake and a flutter of sweet spices… buttery vanilla caramel, rich dates, pear chutney… outstanding complexity with a balanced, lengthy finish." The brand's own notes cut simpler: coffee, rich dark chocolate, spiced oak. Among Japanese whisky at this price, few bottles carry this much hardware — see the rest of the Shibui range for the full story.

Tasting Notes

The brand: coffee, rich dark chocolate, spiced oak. IWSC 2023 judges (per the brand's press release): floral nose of freshly ground barley, honeyed fruitcake, sweet spices; palate of buttery vanilla caramel, rich dates, pear chutney; outstanding complexity, balanced lengthy finish. InsideHook: wood smoke (not peated), dark fruit, crème brûlée.

How to Enjoy

Neat, in a proper nosing glass — a trophy whisky deserves the full aromatic treatment. Water optional; ice only if you must.

Frequently Asked Questions

What awards has it won?
96 points and Best Asian Whisky in the World at IWSC 2023; 95 points / Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge; a World Whisky Masters medal; and a USC Top 100 Spirits award.

Is it a Japanese single malt?
No — it is a world malt blend of Japanese and Scotch malt whiskies, all 100% malted barley.

How is it different from the non-age-stated Pure Malt?
Same architecture, but every whisky in this bottle is at least ten years old — deeper, more complex, and trophy-decorated.

What does mizunara add?
The rare Japanese oak finish contributes incense-like spice and a distinctive aromatic lift.

Own the bottle that beat the whisky world in 2023 — order Shibui 10 Year Old Pure Malt online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.