Fukano Select Japanese Whisky

Fukano Select Japanese Whisky is an 86-proof (43% ABV) annual-edition rice whisky from Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto — the latest limited release in the distillery's yearly Select series, developed with red wine casks, Manzanilla sherry casks, and new and refilled oak casks. Distilled from 100% rice (koji, malted, and unmalted) in a stainless steel pot still and non-chill filtered, in a 700mL bottle. It took Platinum — Best in Category, World Whisky, 97 points — at the 2023 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• Size: 700mL
• Casks: Red wine, Manzanilla sherry, new & refilled white oak — annual limited edition
• Mash: 100% rice (koji, malted, unmalted), single distilled in stainless steel
• Producer: Fukano Distillery, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto, Japan — founded 1823

Two Centuries of Rice, One Moment in Time

Fukano has been making spirits in Japan since 1823, and it was the first distillery in the Kumamoto region to mature its shochu in barrels — a novel practice spearheaded by Chizuru Fukano, mother of the current president, that turns fresh shochu into something more accurately classified as whisky. Each Select edition captures a moment: the 2023 release drew from six single casks plus added red wine and sherry influence for a vibrant batch of just 4,172 bottles. Uncle Fossil's notes describe jammy red fruits — stewed strawberry, ripe peach, red apple — woven with confectionery spice and cinnamon, evolving into dehydrated apple, black fruit pastilles, and earthy wet clay on a long, moreish finish. A cult bottle for the Japanese-whisky faithful. Shop the Fukano range and explore more Japanese whisky at Del Mesa.

Tasting Notes

The aroma greets with jammy red fruits — stewed strawberry, ripe peach, red apple — with cinnamon, confectionery spice, and a hint of cola and pepper. The palate evolves from initial sweetness into dehydrated apple, black fruit pastilles, and earthy wet clay, rounded by warm oak. The finish is long and moreish: lingering spice, gentle umami, and orchard-fruit sweetness.

How to Enjoy

Neat, in a tulip glass — this is a contemplative pour for the Japanese-whisky lover. It pairs beautifully with richer foods: glazed duck breast, aged Manchego, mushroom risotto, or a fruit-forward pecan tart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fukano Select?
An annual limited-edition rice whisky from Fukano Distillery (founded 1823) in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto — each year's edition vats that year's single casks with red wine and Manzanilla sherry cask influence.

What awards has Fukano Select won?
The 2023 edition took Platinum for Best in Category — World Whisky, 97 points, at the Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards.

Is Fukano Select chill-filtered?
No — non-chill filtered, bottled at 43% ABV in a 700mL bottle.

Pick up Fukano Select online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — a 97-point annual-edition Japanese rice whisky, ready to order while it lasts.