Empirical Ehime Series Cask 03
Empirical Ehime Series Cask 03 is a 40% ABV (80 proof) koji-based spirit in a 375mL bottle from Copenhagen's Empirical — the third release in the limited Ehime Series, aging its Japanese-inspired koji spirit in ex-bourbon cask. Like Cask 02 it draws its warmth and velvety texture from American white oak, layering butterscotch, toffee, and savory earth over koji's natural umami. The 375mL format keeps this experimental release collectible and approachable. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof) per El Cerrito Liquor — retail-reported; bottle read advised
- Size: 375mL
- Base: koji-based spirit
- Origin: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Production: aged in ex-bourbon American white oak cask; limited Ehime Series release
The Next Chapter of the Koji Experiment
Where Cask 02 established the Ehime Series' premise — koji treated like whisky — Cask 03 continues the exploration at a gentler proof, letting the spirit's savory, root-forward character read even more clearly against the oak. Empirical's flavor-company ethos means every release is a question ("what does koji do in bourbon wood?") rather than a formula, and the answer here is a warm, toasty, faintly sweet spirit that drinks like nothing in the whisky aisle. Compare it with Cask 02 and browse the full Empirical collection at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
In the Ehime Series register: warm and velvety texture, American oak's toasty sweetness, butterscotch and toffee aromas, deep savory earthiness, and a lingering finish of subtle anise and herbal notes.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a small pour — this is a contemplative spirit — or side by side with Cask 02 to taste how proof and cask selection shift the same koji base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Cask 03 different from Cask 02?
Both are koji-based ex-bourbon-cask releases in the Ehime Series; Cask 03 is listed at a lower proof (40% vs Cask 02's 48% spec) with its own cask character.
What is the ABV?
El Cerrito Liquor lists 80 proof (40% ABV); verify against the bottle.
Why 375mL?
The limited format matches the series' experimental, collector-oriented releases.
Continue the koji journey — order Empirical Ehime Series Cask 03 online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.