The Last Call

 Hayashi Koyo Single Grain Japanese Whisky Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from CNS Wine & Spirits. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      While Hayashi may be a lesser-known name internationally, the distillery operates in Okinawa, Japan, a region known for its distinct climate and natural resources. Which contribute to the whiskey's character. Unlike some Japanese distilleries that import or source their spirits,  This is their Koyo offering, specifically made for not only enjoying neat, but in a highball cocktail. F rom fermentation to distillation, aging, and bottling is  handled at the distillery . This commitment to fully domestic production upholds traditional Japanese standards, allowing for meticulous control over quality and flavor development.        Hayashi’s whiskey is made entirely from Indica rice, setting it apart from traditional...

 Hayashi 18 Year Old Single Grain Japanese Whisky Review.    I received this spirit as a review sample from  CNS Wine & Spirits . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.         While Hayashi may be a lesser-known name internationally, the distillery operates in Okinawa, Japan, a region known for its distinct climate and natural resources. Which contribute to the whiskey's character. Unlike some Japanese distilleries that import or source their spirits,  This is their eighteen year offering being aged in white oak casks, which is quite the age statement for a rice whiskey. F rom fermentation to distillation, aging, and bottling is  handled at the distillery . This commitment to fully domestic production upholds traditional Japanese standards, allowing for meticulous control over quality and flavor development.        Hayashi’s whiskey is made entirely from Indica r...

 Kujira Ryukyu Inari Single Grain Whisky Review. I received this spirit as a review sample from  CNS Wine & Spirits . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      We’re diving into Kuja Riaku Single Grain Whiskey. The name "Kuja" is the Japanese word for "whale," while "Riaku" refers to an island chain within the Okinawan region. The whiskey is distilled, aged, and bottled under the Masahiro Distillery, one of Okinawa's oldest. With traditions rooted in Japanese culture, the Masahiro team has committed to authenticity, from distillation to the final product, adding no artificial color and leaving it non-chill filtered. This whiskey is crafted using premium-grade Indica rice and black koji, which is typically reserved for high-grade sake, infusing a unique twist into the fermentation process. Now, when it comes  to rice whiskey we have to set our minds a bit differently, since we tend to think corn or other grains ...

 Hayashi 8 Year Old Single Grain Japanese Whisky Review. I received this spirit as a review sample from CNS Wine & Spirits. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      While Hayashi may be a lesser-known name internationally, the distillery operates in Okinawa, Japan, a region known for its distinct climate and natural resources. Which contribute to the whiskey's character. Unlike some Japanese distilleries that import or source their spirits,  This is their eight year offering being aged in white oak casks. F rom fermentation to distillation, aging, and bottling is handled at the distillery . This commitment to fully domestic production upholds traditional Japanese standards, allowing for meticulous control over quality and flavor development.        Hayashi’s whiskey is made entirely from Indica rice, setting it apart from traditional single malt or grain whiskies made from barley, corn, or ...

 Shinobu Mizunara Oak Finish Blended Whisky Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from  CNS Wine & Spirits . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.     Now I am a of Japanese whiskey. I love the nods it gives to its Scottish roots but still brings in that subtle flavors that Japanese culture is known for. Now this release from Shinobu not only blends two types of Japanese whiskey together but then finishes it in Mizunara Oak. If you are unsure what Mizunara Oak is, basically it is Japanese Oak that is 200 years old. It tends to bring a subtle spice with a cedar and sandalwood note for me. Several Japanese whiskeys use Mizunara to add these finishes to their whiskey and I am a big fan of them. Being a 50/50 blend of grain and malt whiskey I am excited to see how well they play together  with that finish! For the full video review visit the link here!:  https://youtu.be/NStiVrXZTBw Age St...