Kanosuke Single Malt
(Kagoshima, Japan) 700ml - [WA 92]

The Kanosuke Distillery: 

The Kanosuke Distillery went into operation in 2018 and is named after the 2nd generation leader of the company, Kanosuke Komasa.  The distillery is located on a 9,000 square meter tract of land along Fukiagehama Beach on the west coast of Kagoshima Prefecture.  The two-story distillery house features 3 unique pot stills commonly found in similarly small distilleries.  Each of the three pot stills has a different neck shape and lyne arm angle wich yield uniquely flavorful distillates to create the Kanosuke profile.

Awards/Reviews:

2023 Gold: The San Francisco World Spirits Competition

This single malt whisky marks Kanosuke's first consistent release in the 6 years since their opening in 2018.  Like the "Limited Editions" before it, this single malt is made using all three of the distillery's Miyagi copper pot stills.  It is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon, sherry, and re-charred virgin oak barrels which previously contained "Mellowed Kozuru", a rice shochu made by Komasa Jyozo.  The Kanosuke Singe Mdalt Whisky is as much a reflection of Kagoshima's craftspeople as it is its beautiful coastal landscape.  Delicate aromatics of banana, lemon cake, and Japanese confectionery are all present before the first sip.  The palate has a dubtle richness that unfolds beautifully to flavors of candied quince, ginger spice, and camp smoke, with a gentle finish full of salty sea air.

92 Points - Whisky Advocate:

"The nose is fragrant, full of delicate fruit—mango slices, dried pineapple, lemon curd, and passionfruit—plus a hint of must tucked neatly away in the background. The fruit has even more oomph on the palate, with Juicy Fruit gum melding with lemon meringue and pineapple. Peppery spice and oak balance the scales, as does a lick of leather and earthiness. A delicious dram from start to finish, and an exciting entry point to this new distillery." - (Jan 2025)