Hayashi 8 Year Ryukyu Japanese Whisky

Hayashi 8 Year Ryukyu Japanese Whisky is an 8-year-old single-grain Japanese whisky bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 700mL bottle — made from 100% Japanese indica rice fermented with black koji and aged eight full years in bourbon casks in Okinawa. The story in the bottle begins 500 years ago with awamori, the Ryukyu Islands' native spirit; the Hayashi 8 Year grows those roots in new soil, enriched by island air into masterful oak-and-caramel complexity with tropical flavors unique to the Hayashi name. It is in stock and available to order online now at Del Mesa Liquor.

• Proof / ABV: 43% ABV / 86 proof
• Size: 700mL
• Age: 8 years in bourbon casks
• Origin: Okinawa, Japan (Ryukyu Islands)
• Production: 100% Japanese indica rice, black koji fermentation; no caramel color added

Eight Years of Island Air

Okinawa's warm, humid air does in eight years what cooler climates take far longer to achieve — and the Hayashi 8 Year is the proof. Rice whisky matured in bourbon casks picks up oak, vanilla, and caramel, but the tropical island maturation keeps it distinct: pineapple and toasted coconut weave through the wood spice, giving a whisky that reads as Japanese and nothing else. A perfect entry point to the range before climbing to the 18 and 24 Year. See the full Hayashi lineup or explore more Japanese whisky at Del Mesa Liquor.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Earthy mushroom, caramel, leather, and maple with vanilla and tropical warmth.

Palate: Silky and thin-textured — mushroom and mild oak up front, coconut milk and pineapple mid-palate, caramel, leather, and walnut at the back.

Finish: Long — pineapple, caramel, toasted coconut, and oak lingering well over a minute.

How to Enjoy

Neat or on the rocks for the full tropical-oak interplay; it also takes beautifully to a highball. Pairs nicely with desserts or a good cigar after dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Hayashi 8 Year and KoYo?
The 8 Year carries an 8-year age statement from bourbon-cask maturation; KoYo is the non-age-stated signature expression. Both are 43% ABV single-grain Okinawan whiskies.

Is Hayashi whisky made from rice?
Yes — 100% Japanese indica rice fermented with black koji, in the tradition of Okinawan awamori.

What does "Ryukyu" mean?
The Ryukyu Islands — the archipelago including Okinawa, where this whisky is made and where the awamori distilling tradition is 500 years old.

What is the ABV of Hayashi 8 Year?
43% ABV (86 proof), in a 700mL bottle.

Start your Ryukyu journey here — order Hayashi 8 Year online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA, today.