Sasanokawa Shuzo is a spirits company founded in 1765, based in Koriyama on the main island of Honshu.
Mainly active in the field of traditional Japanese beverages such as sake and shochu, the company has been producing “Ji-Whisky” since 1946, a term that encompasses all Japanese whiskies produced by specialists in traditional Japanese spirits who sometimes engage in whisky production ranging from 100% Japanese production to collaboration with foreign distilleries.
Since the founding of the Asaka distillery in 2015, Sasanokawa has been committed to producing whiskies that are distilled, aged and blended in Japan, as evidenced by the company’s first blend, Yamazakura The First single malt released in 2020.
Yamazakura Blend is a whisky produced at the Asaka Distillery, which was specially refurbished for whisky distillation in 2016, by Sasanokawa Shuzo, the oldest sake brewery in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region, whose history dates back to 1765.
This whisky is therefore the first to appear and perfectly reflects all the know-how accumulated over the years in the field of distillation and blending. Chief Blender has selected 4 malt and grain whiskies with smooth and delicate profiles. On the nose it expresses notes of elderflower, malt, caramel and iodine, which extend in the mouth with the appearance of aromas of citrus, pear, vanilla and cereals, all sublimated by a light and oily texture. The tasting ends gently with a balanced finish.
“Yama” means mountain in Japanese while “Sakura”, here written “Zakura” refers to the iconic cherry tree of Japan, a true Japanese beauty. Elegantly presented in a sober and poetic case, Yamazakura Blend proudly represents the Asaka distillery located in the heart of the Fukushima mountains.
A blend of peated and unpeated malts with grain whiskies, Yamazakura Blend Peated is a creation of the Asaka distillery.
This blended whisky was double distilled in a copper pot still and then aged in bourbon barrels before being bottled at the Asaka distillery located in the Fukushima region. This peaty edition of the famous Yamazakura blend will seduce lovers of Scotch whisky with a scent of lightly smoked caramel and vanilla followed by aromas of cereals, citrus and a powerful peaty finish accompanied by notes of yellow fruits.
“Yama” means mountain in Japanese while “Sakura”, here written “Zakura” refers to the iconic Japanese cherry tree, a true Japanese beauty. Elegantly presented in a sober and poetic case, Yamazakura Blend proudly represents the Asaka distillery located in the heart of the Fukushima mountains.
Yamazakura Asaka 2023 reveals a complex, delicate nose, with nuances of plum, wildflower honey and bourbon vanilla. Fruity and sweet aromas blend harmoniously, creating a seductive olfactory experience. On the palate, it reveals a velvety, gourmand texture, with pronounced notes of orange marmalade, vanilla and French toast. Flavors blend with subtlety, creating a complex, balanced palette. The finish is smooth and persistent, leaving rich, slightly spicy cereal notes and hints of candied fruit on the palate, a warm conclusion that prolongs the pleasure of tasting.
This single malt is made from malted barley, then distilled twice in a traditional Pot Still, bringing out the distinctive flavors and characteristics of the Asaka distillery. After distillation, the whisky was aged for 3 years in bourbon casks, adding complexity and depth to its flavor profile. Unchill-filtered, it retains all its authenticity and natural texture, offering a pure, intense tasting experience.
This limited edition of Yamazakura Asaka 2023 has been specially bottled for France, and produced in small quantities from a careful selection of 10 Bourbon casks, resulting in just 3,000 bottles.
