Kanekou Okinawa Whisky /43%/ – Kankou Okinawa whisky is a new one-of-a-kind Okinawan whisky produced by the Shinzato Distillery, the oldest family-run distillery in Okinawa (established 1846). The current seventh generation owner and master blender Naoya Shinzato created Kanekou by blending three types of whisky – malt, wheat and Ryukyu whisky (rice whisky). Malt and wheat components are aged in American oak barrels for three years or more and rice whisky is aged in ex-sherry casks for a minimum of eight years (the latter exclusively in Okinawa’s sub-tropical climate). The brand is owned by Shin Group, the company established in 2012 as a distribution company with a focus on “unique” quality of Japanese liquor products. Kanekou Okinawa Whisky scored gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirit Competition.

Nose: very fruity, pineapples, oranges, bananas, buttered croissant, vanilla cream, toffee, hints of candied ginger and oak.

Palate: fruity and slightly mineral, oranges, tangerines, banana bread, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, touch of licorice and oak.

Finish: medium long, with notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, caramel, touch of oak and sweet spice.