Shinobu Pure Malt Whisky Lightly Peated Mizunara Oak Finish
Shinobu Pure Malt Whisky Lightly Peated Mizunara Oak Finish is Japan's gentle answer to peated whisky — a no-age-statement pure (blended) malt at 43% ABV, matured in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon hogsheads and finished in prized Japanese Mizunara oak — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 43% vol (86 proof); non-chill filtered, no added color
- Size: 750mL (overseas formats 700ml — confirm bottle)
- Type: pure malt (blended malt — malt whiskies only, no grain)
- Cask: ex-sherry + ex-bourbon hogsheads, Mizunara Japanese oak finish
- Peat: lightly peated
- Origin: Shinobu Distillery, Niigata, Japan — Ken Usami, Niigata Beer Company; whisky license 2017, first release 2018
Mizunara, Not Islay
Shinobu comes from Niigata, on the Sea of Japan coast, where master brewer and blender Ken Usami built the Koshi-No Shinobu distillery on sake and craft-beer roots. This expression keeps the peat deliberately light so the Mizunara finish can speak — the rare Japanese oak prized for incense-like spice, sandalwood, and coconut notes. It picked up Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the IWSC, and the DB & SB Spring Tasting in 2022 (retailer-reported). Explore more Shinobu, or browse the store's Japanese whisky and whisky shelves.
Tasting Notes
Minty and creamy on the nose with light peat, a touch of lemon, and hints of charcoal ash and smoke. The palate brings moderate peat mingled with toasted oak, charcoal ash, dry grass, and a hint of saltiness — dried grass, cinnamon, lemon zest, honey. The finish lingers with toasted wood and sweetness from roasted malt and vanilla, medium length.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a tasting glass to catch the Mizunara incense and spice; a drop of water opens the fruit. Pairs well with dark chocolate, or pour it into a sophisticated cocktail for a smoky Japanese twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shinobu a true Japanese whisky?
Shinobu is distilled and bottled in Niigata, Japan, though its NAS expressions blend whiskies from multiple sources before the Mizunara finish in Japan — check the back label for sourcing details.
What does "pure malt" mean?
A blend of two or more single malt whiskies (no grain whisky) — the traditional Japanese term for what Scotland calls "blended malt."
What does Mizunara oak add?
Rich incense-like spice, sandalwood, coconut, clove, and oriental-spice notes; Mizunara has been used in Japan since the 1930s and is rare and expensive.
Is Shinobu peated whisky smoky?
Only lightly — this expression leads with mint, lemon, and sweet roasted malt, with approachable smoke behind, not Islay-level peat.
A soft entry into peated Japanese whisky: order Shinobu Pure Malt Mizunara Oak online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.