Shibui Grain Select Whisky

Shibui Grain Select Whisky is a 43% ABV (86-proof) wheat-dominant world whisky from Niigata, Japan — a blend of Niigata Japanese grain whisky and Lowland Scotch grain whisky, matured in American ex-bourbon barrels and European Oloroso sherry casks, then finished in rare Japanese mizunara oak. Non-chill filtered with natural color. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV/Proof: 43% ABV / 86 proof
• Size: 750mL
• Aging: No age statement — matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, finished in mizunara oak
• Origin: Niigata, Japan (Niigata Range; Japanese grain whisky married with Lowland Scotch grain whisky; rested on the coast of the Sea of Japan)
• Production: 95% wheat / 5% malted barley; continuous column still; non-chill filtered; natural color

Wheat, Whisky, and Mizunara

Shibui launched in the U.S. in late 2020 with an unusual proposition: Japanese whisky thinking expressed through two ranges — the Niigata Range of world blends and the Okinawa Range of single grains. Grain Select is the entry point and the only wheat-dominant whisky in the range. At 95% wheat it drinks light and silky — cereal, coconut, and tropical fruit — while the mizunara finish adds the incense-like spice that makes Japanese oak famous. It is as comfortable in a highball as it is neat, and for drinkers curious about Japanese whisky beyond the big distillery names, it is the gentlest on-ramp in the Shibui lineup.

Tasting Notes

The brand notes cereal, coconut, and tropical fruits. InsideHook found cereal and dark fruit with a light straw color and notable viscosity; retailers describe a light floral bouquet, gentle cereal, bright tropical fruits and coconut, and a peppery-sweet finish.

How to Enjoy

Excellent in a highball — the wheat silkiness and tropical notes love soda and citrus. Neat or on ice for the full mizunara spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "world whisky"?
A blend of whiskies from more than one country — here, Japanese grain whisky from Niigata married with Lowland Scotch grain whisky.

What is mizunara oak?
A rare Japanese oak prized for the incense-like, spicy-sweet character it gives whisky during finishing.

Is it chill filtered?
No — non-chill filtered with natural color.

Is it really 100% wheat?
Some retailers say so, but the brand's official spec is 95% wheat and 5% malted barley.

Light, tropical, and finished in Japan's rarest oak — order Shibui Grain Select Whisky online at Del Mesa Liquor for San Diego pickup or delivery.