Shinobu Pure Malt Whisky Mizunara Oak
Shinobu Pure Malt Whisky Mizunara Oak is the all-malt expression from Shinobu Distillery in Niigata, Japan — 43% ABV (86 proof), 750mL, a no-age-statement blend of 100% malted-barley whiskies selected from multiple distilleries, rested in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks and finished in Japanese Mizunara oak, non-chill filtered with no added colour. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 43% (86 proof)
- Size: 750mL (US bottling)
- Base: 100% malted barley (malt whiskies from multiple distilleries), no age statement
- Casks: Ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks, finished in Japanese Mizunara oak
- Filtration: Non-chill filtered, no added colour
- Origin: Blended and finished in Niigata, Japan (Shinobu Distillery, master blender Ken Usami)
- Awards: Silver 91 pts, IWSC 2022; Silver, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020
All Malt, Finished the Niigata Way
Where the Shinobu blend splits its recipe between malt and grain, the Pure Malt keeps the grain out entirely: every whisky in the vat is malted barley, drawn from distilleries around the world by master blender Ken Usami and given the house treatment — sherry and bourbon casks first, then a finish in rare Mizunara oak in Niigata, the prefecture the brand celebrates for its three white treasures of snow, rice and sake. The result, in the importer's spec, pours a rich chestnut and drinks full-bodied against the blend's medium frame. Compare the range on our Japanese whisky shelf, or go straight to the age-stated sibling from the Shinobu vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Vanilla, plums and mint (producer notes). Palate: Slightly sweet, with spice, vanilla, citrus and a smoky-oak element. Finish: Medium-length, sweet and woody, with mint and a slight bitterness. Ultimate Spirits Challenge tasters (2019, 89 pts) noted candied orange peel, toffee and toasted hazelnut.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn to follow the Mizunara spice, or as a highball with plenty of soda — the all-malt weight keeps it present through dilution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Pure Malt" mean? A blend made only of malt whiskies — here, malts from more than one distillery, vatted together. It contains no grain whisky, unlike the Shinobu Blended.
Does it have an age statement? No — it is a no-age-statement bottling, and no cask durations are published for it. The age-stated Shinobu is the separate 10 Year Pure Malt.
Is it peated? No. A lightly peated version exists as a different bottling; this expression's own official notes mention only a light smoky-oak element from the casks.
All-malt and Mizunara-finished — pick up Shinobu Pure Malt Whisky Mizunara Oak online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.