Kanosuke Distillery - Chichibu Matsuri 2024

Kanosuke Distillry - Chichibu Matsuri 2024

Kanosuke 2018 5 Year Old Single Cask #18223, A limited edition of only 486 bottles. Distilled in December 2018, this single malt was aged for 5 years in a single recharred cask before being bottled in February 2024 at its natural strength of 59% ABV.

Here is the Kanosuke 2018-2024 Richard Cask Limited, an exclusive Japanese single malt presented at the Chichibu Whisky Matsuri 2024. Distilled in December 2018 at the Kanosuke distillery, this whisky was bottled in February 2024 in Kagoshima, Japan, with an alcohol content of 59%. Matured in a recharred cask, this non-peated and non-chill filtered single malt expresses the full intensity and richness acquired during aging.

This is the first time a Kanosuke bottle has become the official edition of the Chichibu Whisky Festival. The selection was made by the festival’s executive committee, who chose the Kanosuke 2018 Richard Cask after visiting the Kanosuke distillery, located in Hioki, Kagoshima Prefecture, last November. The limited edition was meticulously prepared, selected, and bottled by the committee to celebrate this key event in the Japanese whisky scene.

Located in Hioki, Kagoshima Prefecture, the Kanosuke Distillery is owned by Komasa Jyozo and is the only seaside whisky distillery in Japan, offering a breathtaking view of the 47-kilometer-long Fukiage Hama beach. It stands out for its unique concept: “Mellow Land, Mellow Whisky.”

The Kanosuke Distillery produced its first distillate in February 2018, after obtaining its license in November 2017. Its first single malt was launched in June 2021. Today, Kanosuke is one of the fastest-growing craft whisky producers in Japan, following the rise of the Chichibu Distillery.

A notable feature of Kanosuke is its use of three pot stills, whereas distilleries of similar size typically have only two. This setup allows for greater diversity in their distillates, contributing to the richness and complexity of their whiskies.

Note de dégustation :

Nose: An explosion of freshness where green apple and pear mingle, enhanced by a sweet touch reminiscent of bubblegum. Deeper layers reveal softer, more indulgent notes, with vanilla cream, malted cereals, and a subtle warmth carried by hints of cinnamon and white pepper from the recharred cask.

Palate: Surprisingly smooth for its age, this whisky continues the fruity sweetness of the nose with flavors of green apple, pear, and honey. The recharred cask then takes center stage, developing spicy notes of cinnamon, clove, and ginger, balanced by the lingering presence of white pepper without overpowering the delicate fruitiness.

Finish: A lovely, lingering finish marked by persistent warmth and a slight dryness. The fruity notes gradually fade, giving way to spicy oak and a subtle hint of bitter dark chocolate. In the final moments, a floral honey echo adds a refined layer of complexity.

Source: Websites “Dekanta” and “Whisky Knights”

Summary:

Where to find this bottle:

Available in specialty stores in Japan, such as Imami in Ginza – Tokyo, and also on Japanese auction sites like Mercari (beware of counterfeits).

Price :

As of now, the bottle is reportedly reselling for around €500 in Europe, and between €350–€400 in Japan in the best cases.

Number of bottles : 486 bouteilles