In 1918, Masataka Taketsuru, “The Father of Japanese Whisky”, travelled to Scotland to study the art of whisky-making. He studied chemistry at Glasgow University and apprenticed at three Scotch Whisky distilleries, picking up the tricks of the trade along the way, before returning to Japan with his newly beloved Scottish wife, Rita Cowan, and helping to launch the Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first dedicated whisky distillery, in 1923.
As demonstrated by the origins of the industry, Japan and Scotland have a long-standing friendship that has lasted through the ages and has seen everything from lacquerware to whisky knowledge shared between them. The whisky industry has been transformed by the diligent craftsmen in both countries who have worked together to produce the finest expressions in the world. It’s against this backdrop that we wanted to release a bottle to commemorate the shared history between these two nations.
Taking its name from the Japanese word ‘to share’, the Kyōyū is an ode to that partnership, bringing the art of Japanese blending and craftsmanship to the world blended whisky category. The innovative expression marries well-aged whisky from three superb Scottish distilleries with young single malts from three of Japan’s rising stars. It’s a match made in heaven and something that we are excited to share with our loyal customers around the globe.
The pursuit of excellence that permeates every aspect of Japanese culture has given rise to exciting new products that have raised the bar by challenging long standing conventions. One of the most profound contributions has been in the realm of blended whisky. Long perceived as inferior to single malts, Japan has transformed the industry by giving enthusiasts an entirely new outlook on blends, turning even the harshest critics into raving fans.
The Kyōyū leverages Japanese blending expertise to marry a combination of well-matured and youthful spirits from two different regions, resulting in an assortment of superb flavors unlike any whisky released before. The expression began with a cask of 26 year old blended Scotch whisky, created from spirits distilled at three of Scotland’s most loved distilleries, married at birth and matured for over a quarter century, before carefully adding single malt from three of Japan’s fastest rising stars – Akashi, Asaka and Nagahama.
The final result is an incredibly well-balanced, moreish expression that combines rich, fruity and oaky Scotch, with lighter, floral and subtly smoky Japanese whisky. On the nose it brings a burst of fresh fruits and gentle vanilla before suddenly becoming much richer, with dried berries, burnt candied orange, layers of buttery toffee and light aromas of muscovado sugar. Like the nose, the palate starts fresh, with a mixture of juicy pear and light oak, before slowly getting richer as the oak builds and is joined by sticky dates, brown sugar and cinnamon spiced apples, all the while subtle sea salt tickles the tongue. The finish holds for a medium amount of time and leaves refreshing flavours of juicy sliced apples, fresh berries and subtle hints of oak.
The Kyōyū features an impeccable design that is inspired by Japanese art and culture, bringing forth a level of meticulous detail that is a true masterpiece. Artist Nicolas Castell, a master of the Ukiyo-e art style, was commissioned to complement this exceptional whisky with a Japanese inspired design capturing the essence of Japan’s long standing friendship with Scotland. Nicolas created a work of art that embodies the whisky inside. It’s a joyous display of simplicity, balance, friendship and sharing that features aspects of both Japanese and Scottish culture, wildlife, and of course, whisky.
The Kyōyū will be offered for sale to the general public starting on June 12th and will begin shipping on July 15th. With production limited to just 260 bottles and the unprecedented demand for this innovative blended expression, the bottles are expected to sell out quickly. Fortunately, as one of our valued clients and friends, we’re rewarding you with the chance to buy before everyone else.
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Get the first look at the most anticipated new collection of Japanese Whisky this year. Enter your contact information to be notified.
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Get the first look at the most anticipated new collection of Japanese Whisky this year. Enter your contact information to be notified.
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