Shibui 10 Year Old Single Grain Bourbon Cask Whisky
Shibui 10 Year Old Single Grain Bourbon Cask Whisky is a 40% ABV (80-proof) 10-year-old single grain whisky from Okinawa, Japan — distilled from premium indica long-grain rice, fermented with Okinawan black koji, and matured a full decade in ex-bourbon American oak at Shinzato Distillery, established 1846. Single stainless-steel pot still, non-chill filtered, natural color. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV/Proof: 40% ABV / 80 proof (per the official brand page — several retailer listings wrongly state 43%)
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: 10 years, 100% ex-bourbon American oak
- Origin: Okinawa Range — distilled, matured, and bottled exclusively in Okinawa, Japan, at Shinzato Distillery (est. 1846)
- Production: Premium indica long-grain rice; single stainless-steel pot still; Okinawan black koji + yeast fermentation; non-chill filtered
Rice Whisky, Tropical Oak
Forget everything "single grain" usually means — Shibui's Okinawa Range is rice whisky, not corn or wheat. Indica rice fermented with black koji (the same culture behind awamori, Okinawa's native spirit), distilled once in a stainless pot still, then left for ten years in ex-bourbon casks in Okinawa's subtropical climate. A decade of tropical maturation concentrates everything: the official notes read crème brûlée, cracked black pepper, and spiced oak, with fresh pastry on the nose — and retailer copy goes further, calling out vanilla bean, piña colada, and caramelized sugar. It is the only one of the five Shibui bottles in this batch at 40% ABV, and the gentlest introduction to what rice whisky can be. Dive deeper into Japanese whisky beyond barley.
Tasting Notes
The brand: crème brûlée, cracked black pepper, spiced oak; fresh pastry aromas. Supplier copy (The Barrel Tap, Cask Cartel): rich fruity nose with bright vanilla bean; palate of crème brûlée and piña colada; long, sweet, elegant finish with pepper and oak. The Barrel Tap adds vanilla, caramelized sugar, and hints of tropical fruit.
How to Enjoy
Neat at room temperature to catch the pastry and tropical notes; a large cube tames the pepper. Try it in a highball for a crème-brûlée-meets-citrus long drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really made from rice?
Yes — premium indica long-grain rice, fermented with Okinawan black koji, single-pot distilled.
What proof is it?
40% ABV / 80 proof, per the official brand page. Some retailer listings say 43% — those are incorrect.
Where in Japan is it made?
Okinawa — distilled, matured, and bottled exclusively there, at Shinzato Distillery (est. 1846).
What does black koji do?
The fermentation culture native to Okinawan awamori; it contributes the whisky's distinctive tropical, citrusy depth.
Ten years in bourbon oak, a century and a half of distillery heritage — buy Shibui's 10 Year Old Single Grain Bourbon Cask online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.