Shinobu Pure Malt 10 Years

"Shinobu” means “forbearance” in Japanese, symbolising the spirit of a Samurai which like making great spirits, also takes time, patience and persistence. Shinobu distillery is found in the beautiful Niigata region of Japan, a place that is known locally for its “three white treasures,” namely snow, rice and sake.

THE JAPANESE MIZUNARA OAK, RARE AND UNIQUE TO JAPAN
Mizunara oak, one of the rarest and most expensive types of oak in the world. Its story is deeply rooted in Japanese history. During World War 2, Japan was economically blocked by various countries and could not import oak barrels. At the end of the war, Japan soon faced shortages of imported casks, so whisky makers began to use the native oak, Mizunara. The uniqueness of Mizunara oak is that it takes 200 to 500 years for the wood itself to be made into wooden barrels. It blends well with other flavours and offers complex notes of sandalwood, coconut, spice and Japanese incense, giving a refined oriental flavour with a powerful yet velvety mouthfeel.

THE PURE WATER SOURCE “THE THREE WHITE TREASURES
Niigata is well known locally for its “three white treasures,” but it is also a naturally blessed environment for pure water, thus, a perfect location for making whisky. In winter, when humid air from the sea passes over Japan it causes snowfall in Niigata. The snow remains in the mountains, gradually melts and flows through the rivers in Niigata. This water eventually becomes the pure water source used by local breweries and distilleries.

There's a passionate whisky lover and experienced brewer in Shinobu distillery, Mr. Ken Usami, who also founded the craft beer brewery called Niigata Beer 20 years ago in the same town. An innovator at heart, Mr. Usami was the first brewer to apply secondary bottle fermentation and ageing in Niigata Beer.

AWARDS
Category Winner - WWA 2020
Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirit Awards

RECOMMENDED RECIPES USING SHINOBU PURE MALT 10 YEARS
Neat
On the rocks
Highball (with soda & a lemon zest over ice)

RECOMMENDED FOOD PAIRING
Sushi
Camembert Cheese
Pâté
Chocolate cake