Rei Pure Malt Japanese Whisky
Rei Pure Malt Japanese Whisky is a 40% ABV, 750mL no-age-statement pure malt from Okinawa, Japan — made by Kumesen Syuzo, the 1952-founded awamori distiller that began maturing spirit in oak barrels around 1989. "Rei" means "respect," the third of the samurai's seven virtues, giving the Bushido Series its theme. It won the Platinum Medal at the 2020 SIP Awards. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: no age statement — the first Bushido-series release without one
- Origin: Okinawa, Japan (Ryukyu Islands) — Kumesen Syuzo, est. 1952
- Style: pure malt; tropical-fruit character; reviewers compare it to Nikka Pure Malt
- Award: Platinum Medal, SIP Awards 2020
Respect, from an Okinawan Still
Rei is "ji-whisky" — Japanese whisky with a Ryukyu signature. Kumesen spent decades as an awamori (Indica-rice spirit) maker before putting spirit into oak, and the Bushido Series bottles the seven samurai virtues; "Rei" is respect. Caskers notes its resemblance to Nikka Pure Malt, and the importer copy promises an extraordinarily smooth pour with no alcohol burn. Explore more Japanese whiskies and the Rei collection at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Per importer notes: subtle peat on the nose, abundant pineapple on the palate, a lingering smooth mouthfeel. Per Wine Enthusiast's blind taster (Kara Newman): "plenty of smoke and spice — a trifecta of cinnamon, clove and black pepper leads into a butterscotch-tinged midpalate, finishing with accents of coconut, almond, ginger and white pepper." Taste for yourself where the truth lands.
How to Enjoy
Neat to catch the tropical-peat interplay, or as a mizuwari (whisky with cold water) the Japanese way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Rei" mean?
"Respect" — the third of the seven Bushido virtues.
Is it peated?
The importer stresses very low phenol levels, but a blind taster found real smoke and spice — expect nuance rather than extremes.
Who makes it?
Kumesen Syuzo in Okinawa, an awamori distiller since 1952 that began oak-maturing spirit around 1989.
Okinawan whisky with a samurai's name — order Rei Pure Malt Japanese Whisky online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.