Background
For many years, Japanese Whisky struggled to survive. The years it took to age the liquid created cash flow problems which was compounded by the fact that, at the time, the local Japan market preferred other types of spirits like Shochu and Sake…. The global market was still obsessed with Scotch and Bourbon, leaving Japan distilleries in poor financial condition. The result was that many of these distilleries, which pioneered the Japanese Whisky we know and love today, are no longer around.
Hanyu Distillery
One of the most famous of these now silent operations was the Hanyu Distillery. In the midst of war in 1941, the Akuto family built the Hanyu distillery and obtained a license to produce alcohol in 1946. The Akuto family had been in the brewing business since the 1600s and established an outstanding reputation for delivering high quality spirits. After experiencing Scottish single malts, they developed a passion for the remarkable spirits and were driven to produce their own, Japanese, single malts. Their efforts pushed Japanese Whisky forward, but the local Japan market wasn’t receptive at the time. Eventually, Hanyu were forced to close their doors in 2000.
A Lost Experience
In the years since their closure, Japanese Whisky has exploded in popularity. The liquid that they struggled to sell has now become some of the most prized in the world. It’s now recognized as some of the best whisky ever produced and enthusiasts have scrambled to find bottles. The huge demand and limited supply has caused prices to soar. At auction, Hanyu bottles often sell for tens of thousands of dollars… Putting those bottles out of reach for all but the most elite collectors. And, even those who can afford these bottles rarely open them. The liquid is locked away in sealed bottles that are never enjoyed.
Bringing Back The Legacy
So we started working diligently with a Japanese bottler to produce an expression that would celebrate the legacy of the Hanyu distillery, and make it accessible to more collectors. This process started by taking whisky from one of Hanyu’s remaining casks and using that as the base for a blended expression that would showcase the unique character and traits of the distillery. The blended liquid was then aged together in cask until it was just right and ready for its worldwide debut.
Introducing Trinitas
Sanmi-Ittai, meaning Trinitas in Latin, is a tribute to the founders of the Hanyu distillery. These great craftsmen produced Japanese Whisky that was ahead of its time, and were instrumental in developing the industry into a recognized leader around the world. The bottling pays homage to blender Shimzaki, blender Inoue and former president Mr. Akuto — the father of Japanese Whisky legend Ichiro Akuto.
Remarkable Whisky
The whisky is a remarkable blend that has perfectly captured the essence and spirit of Hanyu. By having the best blenders in the industry combine original Hanyu whisky with carefully selected malts, the result is spectacular… The three pioneers celebrated by the bottle would each be proud.
Reserve Your Bottle Today
In keeping with our commitment to allow more people to put whisky from this notable silent distillery on their shelf, we’re really ecstatic to offer these bottles for just $349.99. With the huge amount of interest in Hanyu whisky and its incredible story, this is a really a rare opportunity… Without doubt, these bottles will be an instant classic and once they sell out it’s unlikely you’ll ever see a similar release again… Especially not at this price point.
Just 281 bottles were produced.
John David –
Impeccable service. Packaging quality was exemplary! Will definitely be using again…frequently!!