Meiyo 15 Year Old Japanese Whisky
Meiyo 15 Year Old Japanese Whisky is a 40% ABV, 750mL pure malt from Okinawa, Japan — a blend of malt whiskies aged 15 years in ex-bourbon casks by Kumesen Syuzo, the 1952-founded awamori distiller that began maturing spirit in oak around 1989. "Meiyo" means "honor," one of the seven virtues of Bushido, which gives the Bushido Series its name. It earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and Gold with 92 points at the 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 15 years in ex-bourbon casks
- Origin: Okinawa, Japan — Kumesen Syuzo (Kumesen Distillery), est. 1952
- Style: pure malt (blend of malt whiskies); tropical fruit character, little to no peat
- Awards: 91 pts, Wine Enthusiast (Kara Newman, 2021); Gold, 92 pts, Bartender Spirits Awards 2020
Honor, Aged Fifteen Years in Okinawa
Meiyo comes from an unlikely place: an Okinawan awamori distiller that started aging spirit in oak three decades ago and now makes "ji-whisky" — Japanese whisky with a Ryukyu-islands signature. Fifteen years in ex-bourbon casks give it tropical fruit and gentle oak, and reviewers note its resemblance to Nikka Pure Malt. See more Japanese whiskies and the Meiyo collection at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Per Wine Enthusiast (Kara Newman, 91 points): golden hue, light floral aroma; a palate of florals layered with sarsaparilla, grapefruit and lemon peel and a hint of smoke, finishing long and drying. Importer notes emphasize very low phenol levels and tropical-fruit sweetness with pineapple; DramFellows found "explosions of tropical fruit, especially pineapple" with gentle oak and a smooth, burn-free finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water to open the floral notes; also excellent as a highball with soda and a lemon twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Meiyo" mean?
"Honor" — one of the seven virtues of Bushido, the theme of the series.
Is it a single malt?
No — it is a pure malt, a blend of malt whiskies, all aged 15 years in ex-bourbon casks.
What is the alcohol content?
40% ABV (80 proof).
Okinawan honor in a glass — buy Meiyo 15 Year Old Japanese Whisky online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.