SHINOBU means "forbearance" in Japanese. It symbolized the spirit of a samurai, just like making great spirits which takes time, patience and persistence.
The Japanese Mizunara Oak
Rare And Unique Wood species
Mizunara oak, one of the rarest and treasured types of oak in the world. During World War II, Japan was economically blocked by other countries and could not import oak barrels for whisky maturation. The importing difficulties left them with only one choice: to look domestically and they quickly found themselves in the world of Mizunara.
The slow-growing Mizunara trees can often take 200 years to reachaa suitable size (70-80cm in diameter) for cask production. Mizunara has more knots than other coopers’ oaks, higher water content (the clue is in the name Mizu-Nara translates as “water-oak”), and is a rather porous wood. All of these make Mizunara a tricky type of oak to cooper, demand more craftsmanship to make, and also contribute a significant part to their high cost.
The Mizunara Oak can bring complex notes of sandalwood, coconut, spice and Japanese incense, displaying the refinement of oriental flavour with powerful yet velvet mouthfeel.
The slow-growing Mizunara trees can often take 200 years to reachaa suitable size (70-80cm in diameter) for cask production. Mizunara has more knots than other coopers’ oaks, higher water content (the clue is in the name Mizu-Nara translates as “water-oak”), and is a rather porous wood. All of these make Mizunara a tricky type of oak to cooper, demand more craftsmanship to make, and also contribute a significant part to their high cost.
The Mizunara Oak can bring complex notes of sandalwood, coconut, spice and Japanese incense, displaying the refinement of oriental flavour with powerful yet velvet mouthfeel.
The Pure Water Source
“The Three White Treasures”
Niigata is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshu. It is well known for its “three white treasures,” which refer to snow, rice and sake. It is a naturally blessed environment for pure water source, thus a perfect location for making whisky.
In the winter, wind blows from the sea, brings the humidity to Niigata and causes the snowfalls on top of the mountain. The snow gradually melts in the middle of the summer and becomes the pure water source for local breweries and distilleries.
In the winter, wind blows from the sea, brings the humidity to Niigata and causes the snowfalls on top of the mountain. The snow gradually melts in the middle of the summer and becomes the pure water source for local breweries and distilleries.
SHINOBU NAS Non Age Statement expressions are made by carefully selecting quality whiskies from different distilleries which are first reserved in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks, then finished with precious Japanese Mizunara Oak.
SHINOBU
BLENDED WHISKY
MIZUNARA OAK FINISH
700ML, 43%ABV
Tasting Note
Softly roasted nuts, jellied pear, and honeysuckle all come through on the nose of this Japanese whisky. Black pepper and clove come through early on the palate, ripe citrus fruit and baked apples developing before a long, smooth finish.
-- BY 2019 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE
✔ SFWSC 2019 Gold Medal
✔ WSWA 2019 Gold Medal
✔ ISC 2019 Gold Medal
✔ Scored 88 points at USC 2019
Softly roasted nuts, jellied pear, and honeysuckle all come through on the nose of this Japanese whisky. Black pepper and clove come through early on the palate, ripe citrus fruit and baked apples developing before a long, smooth finish.
-- BY 2019 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE
✔ SFWSC 2019 Gold Medal
✔ WSWA 2019 Gold Medal
✔ ISC 2019 Gold Medal
✔ Scored 88 points at USC 2019
SHINOBU
PURE MALT WHISKY
MIZUNARA OAK FINISH
700ML, 43%ABV
Tasting Note
Telltale aromas of candied orange peel, toffee, sweet smoke, and toasted hazelnuts are augmented by distinctive herbal tea and spice notes. The palate is surprisingly mellow, with more fruit-forward characteristics bolstered by pepper and spice on the finish.
-- BY 2019 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE
✔ SFWSC 2020 Silver Medal
✔ WSWA 2019 Silver Medal
✔ Scored 89 points at USC 2019
Telltale aromas of candied orange peel, toffee, sweet smoke, and toasted hazelnuts are augmented by distinctive herbal tea and spice notes. The palate is surprisingly mellow, with more fruit-forward characteristics bolstered by pepper and spice on the finish.
-- BY 2019 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE
✔ SFWSC 2020 Silver Medal
✔ WSWA 2019 Silver Medal
✔ Scored 89 points at USC 2019
SHINOBU
PURE MALT 15 YEARS
MIZUNARA OAK FINISH
700ML, 43%ABV
LIMITED EDITION
Tasting Note
Significant aromas of candied orange peel, toffee, and toasted hazelnuts followed by distinctive spice notes. Surprisingly mellow and sweet with a hint of pepper and spices which bring balanace and body.
✔ WWA 2020 Category winner
Significant aromas of candied orange peel, toffee, and toasted hazelnuts followed by distinctive spice notes. Surprisingly mellow and sweet with a hint of pepper and spices which bring balanace and body.
✔ WWA 2020 Category winner