Kanosuke Single Malt PEATED | 48% ABV | 700ml

Fukiagehama beach in Hioki City sits along the western coast of Kagoshima. It is right beside this shoreline—praised by the second-generation head as "the place where the sunset looks the most delicious"—that the Kanosuke Distillery stands. Established by shochu maker Komasa Jozo, the distillery entered the world of whisky production armed with decades of wood-aging expertise gained from pioneering their barrel-matured shochu, "Mellow Kozuru." Due to this heritage, Kanosuke expressions possess a distinct, signature "mellowness" rarely found in other Japanese whiskies.

This PEATED expression introduces a soft, refined smokiness to the profile established by the flagship "Single Malt Kanosuke."

The core of this expression relies on spirit distilled from peated malt and matured in re-charred casks previously used for aging shochu, as well as ex-bourbon barrels. Utilizing these as the key malts, the distillery vats them alongside spirits aged in various other cask types, bottling the final liquid non-chill filtered. Kanosuke's use of three pot stills of differing shapes and sizes for the first and second distillations is another deliberate technique employed to introduce exceptional breadth and depth to the final flavor profile.

The warm local climate, coastal breezes, and dramatic diurnal temperature swings accelerate the maturation process, resulting in a rounded, mellow spirit that belies its youth. Smoky yet entirely devoid of rough edges, the character of this bottling lies in how seamlessly the peat integrates with the juicy fruit characteristics of the distillate.

■ Tasting Profile

• Nosing: Herbal and citrus brightness pair with the vibrant, succulent sweetness of orchard fruits like fresh pear.

• Palate: On the entry, a sweet and tart note reminiscent of cassis develops. This is quickly supported by a savory, bacon-like peat smoke and a subtle salinity that adds texture and weight to the mid-palate. While the outline of the smoke is distinct, the spirit remains gentle on the backend. Tropical fruit notes and a Japanese-style savory umami softly cradle the lingering smoky finish.

■ Serving Suggestions

Begin by experiencing it neat to fully appreciate the gentle peat and integrated fruitiness shaped by the local terroir. Introducing a few drops of water brings forward nuances of quince candy, citrus, and salted sweets. During warmer months, it serves exceptionally well in a refreshing highball; the smokiness and salinity allow the expression to sit quietly alongside a meal, pairing particularly well with Japanese cuisine.

■ Specifications

• Type: Single Malt Peated Whisky

• Distillery: Kanosuke Distillery (Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture)

• Raw Material: Malt (Peated malt and unpeated malt)

• Casks: A vatting of multiple casks centered around re-charred shochu casks and ex-bourbon barrels (Non-chill filtered)

• ABV: 48%

• Volume: 700ml