Kanosuke Hioiki pot still japanese whisky Vol.51% Cl.70

Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still: A Japanese Whisky Revolution Blending Shochu Tradition and Irish Style

In the Japanese whisky landscape—historically dominated by Scotch-style single malts and refined blends—the Kanosuke distillery has forged a bold and deeply innovative path.

With the launch of Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still whisky, the Kagoshima-based producer has done more than just create a new spirit; it has pioneered a unique category: a Single Pot Still-style whisky born from the fusion of centuries-old Japanese shochu distillation techniques and overseas spirit-making traditions.

Origins: A Heritage Rooted in Shochu

Founded by the historic company Komasa Jyozo (a shochu producer since 1883), the Kanosuke distillery was established in 2018 along the expansive Fukiagehama beach.

The Hioki Pot Still project was conceived by Yoshitsugu Komasa, driven by the ambition to build a bridge between the worlds of whisky and shochu. Rather than relying solely on traditional column stills (typical of classic grain whiskies), the production process leverages the nearby Hioki distillery, employing pot stills and vacuum distillation—a technique masterfully refined by Komasa Jyozo in the production of grain shochu.

Production Standards: Between Ireland and Kentucky

Hioki Pot Still whisky stands out thanks to a unique, hybrid production process:

1. The Mash Bill (Irish Inspiration): The mash combines malted and unmalted barley. The use of unmalted barley imparts the rich, creamy, and slightly spicy structure characteristic of traditional Irish Single Pot Still whiskies.

2. Hybrid Distillation: Pot still distillation combined with a low-pressure technique allows for the extraction of delicate floral and fruity aromas without weighing down the olfactory profile.

3. Maturation in American Oak Casks (Bourbon Inspiration): The spirit is matured in virgin American white oak casks and ex-bourbon casks. To manage Kagoshima’s hot, humid climate (which accelerates aging), large casks—such as puncheons holding approximately 450 liters—are often used, drawing on the expertise gained with the renowned aged shochu *"Mellowed Kozuru."*

Bottling takes place at **51% ABV** (102 proof) without chill-filtration, preserving the spirit's full intensity and viscosity. Why It’s a Key Bottle for Collectors

Initially conceived as a component for the distillery’s blended whiskies (such as *Kanosuke Double Distillery*), the extraordinary quality of the Hioki Pot Still spirit convinced the team to release it as a permanent bottling starting in December 2023, alongside annual limited editions.

At a time when the *Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association* (JSMA) is enforcing increasingly strict regulations regarding the labeling of authentic Japanese whisky, Kanosuke Hioki embodies local craftsmanship excellence: transparency, experimentation, and a deep connection to the Land of the Rising Sun's distilling culture.

Tasting Note:

Color: Pale amber with golden hues.

Nose: Extremely aromatic. Pastry-like sweetness (butter sandwich cookies, vanilla) emerges immediately, balanced by fresh citrus notes—such as Japanese *Kabosu*—apricot, and *Ume* plum compote.

Palate: Rich and buttery. Notes of madeleines, orange zest, and jam, accompanied by a hint of toasted green grain and a pleasant mineral savoriness.

Finish: Persistent, warm, and spicy, with lingering notes of vanilla, dry ginger, and cinnamon.