Shinobu Japanese Whiskey Mizunara OAK The Shinobu distillery is located in Niigata and is known in Japan for its “Three Whites” treasures, that is, snow, rice and sake, in an environment naturally blessed with sources of pure water.
Shinobu means “Tolerance” in Japanese, as this is what the spirit of the distiller should be when making quality whiskey.
Shinobu whiskey is handcrafted by the creative distiller Mr. Usami, who also founded the craft brewery called Niigata Beer 20 years ago in the same city.
As an innovator by heart, Mr. Usami was the first brewer to apply SECONDARY BOTTLE FERMENTATION AND AGING on Niigata beer.
Mr. Usami dreams of creating a local whiskey distillery that can showcase the quality of local pure water and serve the passionate spirit-loving community.
Finally, in 2017, Mr. Usami obtained the first whiskey license for Niigata (another FIRST!) And thus began his journey of becoming a distiller.
While the distillery is still under construction, Mr. Usami wants to experiment with blending WHISKEYS FROM THE WORLD to create the unique flavors of Japan.
This is how the first expressions of the Mizunara oak finish were born, carefully selecting whiskey from around the world that is first reserved in barrels of ex sherry and ex bourbon and then finished with a precious Japanese Mizunara oak, in Japan.
Mizunara oak, one of the rarest and most expensive types of oak in the world. Its history is deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture.
During World War II, Japan was economically blockaded by many countries and was unable to import oak barrels. At the end of the war, Japan soon faced a shortage of imported casks, so whiskey makers had to use the native Japanese oak, Mizunara.
Mizunara oak is highly prized because the cost of logs is quite high. It often takes 200 years or more for a mizunara tree to mature enough.
The Japanese government also restricts the felling of mizunara trees under the age of 80, making this type of Japanese oak even more difficult to come by for barrel production.
Mizunara oak offers complex notes of sandalwood, coconut, spices and Japanese incense, showcasing the refinement of the oriental flavor with a powerful yet velvety mouthfeel.
Reference: Whiskey Advocate, Wine Enthusiast.
THE THREE WHITE TREASURES
Niigata is well known locally for its “three white treasures”, snow, rice and sake.
It is also a natural environment and blessed by nature, for its source of pure water, which makes it a perfect place to make whiskey.
In winter, when moist sea air passes over Japan and travels to the left side of the Pacific, it causes Niigata’s snow to rise.
Snow remains on top of the mountain and gradually melts from mid-summer and flows through the rivers of Niigata.
This water finally returns to become the source of pure water for local breweries and distilleries. The result is a unique fusion of flavors and a dynamic explosion on the palate, while smooth and easy to drink.
All natural without colorants or preservatives.
Discover “tolerance” welcome to the world of Shinobu.
43° / 70cl
