Established 50 years in the past, Fuji Whisky takes a special method to most different Japanese distilleries, drawing on inspiration from whisky manufacturing strategies from all all over the world; America, Canada and Scotland. Crafted with quintessential Japanese artistry, the result’s a fusion of flavours to create a one-of-a-kind Japanese whisky. Fuji’s whiskies are made completely from the malt and grain whiskies of the world-renowned Mt. Fuji Distillery.
Behind Fuji Whisky is its extremely acclaimed Grasp Distiller and Blender, Jota Tanaka who is simply the second particular person to carry the place of Grasp Blender in Japan. Tanaka has over 30 years’ of expertise, in each Japanese and American whisky in addition to wine, having guided the creation of whisky at Mt. Fuji Distillery since 2017 as its Grasp Distiller and Blender.
Final 12 months Tanaka was inducted into the Whisky Journal Icons of Whisky Corridor of Fame, the fourth Japanese inductee thus far. The accolade is given to people who’ve made a ‘lasting contribution to the whisky world’, with reward given to Jota Tanaka for being a pioneer, innovator and driving pressure behind remodeling Japanese whisky.
“We now have seen the demand for Japanese whisky skyrocket over the past decade which has pushed shortage and created a rush for individuals to attempt it earlier than it was gone. We’re so lucky that we have now been constructing a library of world-class whiskies for many years and are excited to now be sharing that with Australia,” – Jota Tanaka, Fuji Whisky Grasp Distiller
Jota has been actively concerned within the Japanese whisky business, participating to guard the integrity and status of Japanese whisky each within the home and worldwide market by serving to arrange labelling requirements.
“We now have seen the demand for Japanese whisky skyrocket over the past decade which has pushed shortage and created a rush for individuals to attempt it earlier than it was gone. We’re so lucky that we have now been constructing a library of world-class whiskies for many years and are excited to now be sharing that with Australia,” mentioned Jota Tanaka.
Celebrating 50 years this 12 months, Fuji Distillery’s distinctive location located at 2034 ft above sea degree nestled on the foot of Japan’s highest mountain, Mt Fuji is what makes its whiskies uniquely Japanese, with the mountain immediately influencing the spirit. Taking many years to naturally filter its snowmelt water from the mountain to distillery, the pure purification course of leads to pure, pristine water that’s excellent for distillation. Employed all through the whisky manufacturing course of, the water’s affect is integral to the Fuji model.
Fuji Whisky has launched in Australia this 12 months with two expressions, a single grain and single blended Masterpiece obtainable from March in very restricted numbers. Fuji is a premium but accessible Japanese whisky, that showcases delicately fruity and mellow flavours as influenced by the distinctive local weather and terroir. The Single Grain (46percentABV) is a mix of three forms of grain whiskey, every distilled utilizing three completely different strategies that mirror flavour profiles just like Bourbon, Canadian and Scotch Whisky. The ‘single’, on this whisky, is in reference to the supply – all three varieties are distilled on-site on the Fuji Gotemba distillery.
Mixed with Japanese craftsmanship, the ultimate Single Grain liquid options the quintessential traits of these types of whisky to create a one-of-a-kind Japanese model whisky – delicately fruity, mellow and with multi-layered profiles. Fuji Single Grain Whiskey retails for $180.
The Masterpiece 2022 (50percentABV) is a single blended whisky with malt and grain whisky from Fuji Distillery. Along with the historic unblended whiskies which have been aged for over 30 plus years, Fuji has used problem whiskies which have been aged in pink wine and beer barrels to reinforce their traits. The result’s a whisky that’s mushy on the palate, reasonably wealthy with flavours of peach and apricot and a touch of spice, with a protracted end. It is a particular, limited-edition whisky that can retail for $1,650.
Jota Tanaka recommends tasting Fuji Whisky with a Riedel Sauvignon Blanc white wine glass to expertise its full depth of aromas and flavours.
Fuji Whisky is imported and distributed by Vanguard Luxurious Manufacturers, get in contact for any questions or to precise curiosity in tasting with a Vanguard Luxurious Manufacturers gross sales consultant on 1300DRINKS. fujiwhisky.com
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This text was a part of our cowl story for the March version of Australian Bartender. Fuji Grasp Distiller, Jota Tanaka options on the entrance cowl which is touchdown in bars now.
