On the official website of Nagahama Distillery of Nagahama Romantic Beer Co., Ltd. the information about the third collaboration whisky, “INAZUMA Edition No. 3” two types of whisky blended from three distilleries in Japan, Eigashima Distillery, Saburomaru Distillery and Nagahama Distillery, are released for limited sale. The release date is
The release date is May 31, 2022. May 31, 2022.
1. How to purchase (Lottery application)
(1) INAZUMA Blended Malt Japanese Whisky Synergy Blend Edition No. 3
(2) INAZUMA World Blended Whisky Extra Selected Edition No. 3
Set of 2 bottles (1) and (2): Available at the official online store from 12:00 p.m. on April 29 to May 9. Lottery application will be started. Not on a first-come, first-served basis.
(2) Only: Advance reservations will be available from April 29, 12:00 pm. This will probably be on a first-come, first-served basis, so please be quick.
Lottery application period: 4/29 (Fri) 12:00 – 5/9 (Mon) 23:59
Announcement of winners ：5/17(Tue) ※Winners will be notified directly by e-mail.
Purchase period: 5/18 (Wed) 12:00 – 5/24 (Tue) 23:59
Official online store, lottery application page is here.
2. INAZUMA Blended Malt Japanese Whisky Synergy Blend Edition No.3
＜Tasting Notes＞
From the Eigashima distillery, we selected a mildly peated, lightly bourbon cask-aged malt whisky, from the Saburomaru distillery, a distinctive peaty malt whisky, and from the Nagahama distillery, a bourbon and sherry cask-aged malt whisky, to bring them together. The top note is a malt aroma with a firm structure. The top notes have a solid malt structure, with aromas of vanilla, custard cream, orange and spice, and a melancholy note, like vintage leather goods. In addition, leafy accents of black tea and hay, and subtle smoky flavors. The palate is very smooth, with rich malt umami and stewed berry jam sweetness. Lingering spices of salted caramel, cinnamon and cloves. The finish is mildly salty with a hint of peat.
Reference: [Lottery sale] INAZUMA Edition No.3 2-bottle set｜Nagahama Romantic Beer Online Shop
| Product name | INAZUMA Blended Malt Japanese Whisky Synergy Blend Edition No.3 |
|---|---|
| Sake distillation | Blended malt Japanese whisky |
| Ingredients | Malt |
| Cask Type | – |
| Number of bottles | Limited to 600 bottles |
| Degrees of alcohol content | 47% |
| Price | Suggested retail price: 16,500 yen (tax included) |
| Manufacturing site | Nagahama Distillery |
| Producer | Nagahama Roman Beer Co. |
3. INAZUMA World Blended Whisky Extra Selected Edition No.3
＜Tasting Notes＞
The key malt is an overseas malt owned by Nagahama Distillery, blended with malt from three distilleries in Japan used in a synergistic blend with different recipe compositions. The long-aged grain whisky nicely connects the unique malt whiskys. The top notes are fresh green apple, western pear, and fresh green. Soft nuances of freshly baked milk bread and fresh citrus aromas. Then there is a tidal air reminiscent of the seaside. The palate is silky smooth, with a gentle maltiness and a sweetness reminiscent of rum raisins and sponge cake. The lingering finish is very elegant, with a hint of spiciness and a soft peaty note that lingers forever.
Reference: [Lottery sales] INAZUMA Edition No. 3 2-bottle set｜Nagahama Romantic Beer Online Shop
| Product name | INAZUMA World Blended Whisky Extra Selected Edition No.3 |
|---|---|
| Sake type | Blended Whisky |
| Ingredients | Malt, Grain |
| Casks | – |
| Number of bottles | Limited to 6,000 bottles |
| Frequency | 47% |
| Price | Suggested retail price: 7,590 yen (tax included) |
| Manufacturing site | Nagahama Distillery |
| Producer | Nagahama Roman Beer Co. |
4. Products from Nagahama Distillery’s past sake exchanges
Collaboration has been done twice in the past.
The first phase of the project is scheduled for March 30, 2021, at whisky in collaboration with Saburomaru Distillery Two types of whisky were launched at
INAZUMA Blended Malt Japanese whisky “Synergy Blend” .
INAZUMA World Blended Malt Whisky “Extra Selected” .
The second phase will be on November 9, 2021, at Collaboration whisky with Eigashima distillery and at that time, one type of whisky was released.
INAZUMA Extra Selected Edition No.2
4-1. INAZUMA Blended Malt Japanese Whisky “Synergy Blend”
The blend recipe is composed of non-peated mal t distilled at the Nagahama dist illery and peated malt distilled at the Saburomaru distillery, so that the individual characteristics of each distilled spirit stand out more. The taste is the result of the “synergy” between the two wines.
Limited edition of 700 bottles. The price is 16,500 yen including tax.
4-2. INAZUMA World Blended Malt Whisky “Extra Selected “
The blend recipe is composed of non-peated mal t distilled at the Nagahama dist illery, peated malt distilled at the Saburomaru distillery, and carefully selected foreign malt, with the aim of creating an “extra” flavor that complements and enhances each other. The soft, non-peated malt from the Nagahama distillery is more easily sensed than the peated malt from the Saburomaru distillery, and is characterized by its fruity sweetness.
Limited edition of 6,000 bottles. Price: 7,590 yen including tax.
4-3. INAZUMA Extra Selected Edition No. 2
A blend of non-peated malt base sake from Nagahama distillery, lightly peated malt base sake from Eigashima distillery, and malt base sake from overseas.
The fresh, fruity aroma is reminiscent of grapefruit, with refreshing accents of herbs and mint. The next aroma is peaty, reminiscent of the sea air at the seaside. The palate is very smooth, with ripe red apple, dried fruit, and berry accents behind fresh orange. Pleasant tannins from the oak. The lingering finish is long, with soft peat notes wavering and fading.
Limited edition of 6,000 bottles. Price: 7,590 yen including tax.
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled “Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business” .
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan.
(5). Whiskey Rising
This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found.
