Empirical Ehime Series Cask 02
Empirical Ehime Series Cask 02 is a koji-based spirit in a 375mL bottle, matured three years in an ex-bourbon cask by Copenhagen's Empirical — part of the limited Ehime Series exploring Japanese koji fermentation through a Danish lens. The American white oak brings butterscotch and toffee to koji's earthy, savory depth, finishing long with subtle anise and herbal notes. Uncle Fossil's spec row lists it at 48% ABV (96 proof); retailer listings vary, so confirm the bottle strength before shelving notes. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 48% (96 proof) per Uncle Fossil spec — retail listings vary; bottle read advised
- Size: 375mL
- Base: koji-based spirit ("Helena")
- Origin: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Production: 3 years in ex-bourbon American white oak cask; limited Ehime Series release
Koji, Treated Like Whisky
Koji — the mold culture behind sake, miso, and shochu — is Empirical's obsession, and the Ehime Series asks what happens when a koji spirit gets the full whisky treatment: three years in American oak, no shortcuts. The result is warm and velvety, with the oak's toasty sweetness meeting butterscotch, toffee, and a root-forward earthiness that reads as savory rather than sweet. The limited 375mL format makes it the collector's entry into the series. Browse more in the liqueur collection or the Empirical collection at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Uncle Fossil/El Cerrito copy: rich butterscotch and toffee aromas from the oak, deep root-forward earthiness, warm and velvety texture, and a long, lingering finish of subtle savory and herbal notes of anise.
How to Enjoy
Neat — El Cerrito's notes call it a savoring spirit best enjoyed slowly — and it makes a remarkable gift for drinkers who collect non-traditional aged spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is koji?
Koji (Aspergillus oryzae) is the fermentation culture behind sake, miso, and shochu; Empirical distills a koji-based spirit as the base of the Ehime Series.
What is the proof?
Uncle Fossil's spec lists 48% ABV (96 proof), though retailer listings vary — check the bottle.
Is it a whisky?
No — it's a koji-based spirit aged like one, in an entirely different flavor territory.
Aged koji is a flavor you can't get anywhere else — order Empirical Ehime Series Cask 02 online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.