Ohishi Tokubetsu Reserve Japanese Whisky
Ohishi Tokubetsu Reserve Japanese Whisky is an 81-proof (40.5% ABV) Japanese rice whisky from Ohishi Distillery in Kumamoto — "Tokubetsu" means special, and the blend earns it: approximately 36% 7-year-old, 35% 10-year-old, and 29% 27-year-old whisky, all matured in sherry casks, in a 750mL bottle. Fewer than 1,500 bottles were produced worldwide, and it scored 92 points from Whisky Advocate. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 81 proof (40.5% ABV)
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: ~36% 7-year, ~35% 10-year, ~29% 27-year whisky — all sherry cask
- Mash: 100% rice (estate-grown), distilled in a stainless steel pot still
- Producer: Ohishi Distillery, Mizukami, Kumamoto, Japan — founded 1872
Rice, Not Barley — Aged Like Royalty
Ohishi is one of the rare whiskies distilled entirely from rice rather than barley, and Tokubetsu Reserve is its crown jewel: the oldest whisky in the blend was distilled in 1974 by the father of current master distiller Kazunori Oishi, to commemorate Kazunori's birth. The distillery sits near the village of Mizukami, closest to the source of the Kuma River, and grows at least 30% of its own rice — including gohyakumanishi — on estate paddies where koi fish swim the rows to nibble weeds. Rice's clean fermentation lets Ohishi distill in a stainless steel pot still instead of copper, and the all-sherry-cask maturation gives the spirit old-Amontillado depth. Shop the Ohishi collection and explore more Japanese whisky at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
The nose leads with old sherry — rich apple, oloroso, cranberry, pepper, fennel, star anise, and a touch of milk chocolate (Whisky Advocate's notes). The palate is heavy for the modest proof: roasted chestnuts, old leather, stewed blackberry, Cola Cubes, and dried fruit with a sherry-spice thread. The finish brings cocoa-dusted dried fruits and a long, nutty warmth.
How to Enjoy
A contemplative neat pour — tread lightly, as Whisky Advocate advises; this is a nuanced delicacy. A drop of water opens hidden layers, and it pairs beautifully with dark chocolate or aged cheese as an after-dinner whisky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rice whisky?
Whisky distilled from rice instead of barley — a Japanese tradition Ohishi has practiced since 1872, giving a uniquely clean, nutty, umami-rich spirit.
How old is the whisky in Ohishi Tokubetsu Reserve?
A blend of three age components: roughly 36% 7-year-old, 35% 10-year-old, and 29% 27-year-old whisky, all aged in sherry casks.
How rare is Ohishi Tokubetsu Reserve?
Fewer than 1,500 bottles were produced worldwide, making it one of the scarcest age-stated Japanese whiskies in its price tier.
Order Ohishi Tokubetsu Reserve online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — a 92-point sherry-cask rice whisky, while the allocation lasts.