The fourth in a special series of “Artist Edition” whiskys that express the world of whisky through the power of art, based on the theme of the Five Elements philosophy of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, which is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
１．Kanosuke Single Malt Artist Edition #004
-
1-1．Product Information
For this work, “Gon”, we invited artist Keiko Yuasa to depict the element “gold” from her unique perspective.
The label expresses the delicate brushstrokes and serene worldview that only Ms. Yuasa is capable of.Artist Edition #004″ was inspired by “Gon” (gold), and was created by vatting a wide variety of non-peat malt-based sake using KANOSUKE’s three pot stills, which are also the symbol of KANOSUKE.
The glossy and fruity original spirit from Spirits Still 2 (SS2) was given depth by the addition of a bourbon barrel spirit distilled three times, which is rare in Japanese distilleries.
Furthermore, the Islay casks aged in Hioki, Kagoshima, create a lingering aftertaste that is reminiscent of the overlapping sea breezes of the two islands of Islay and Hioki.
Please take your time to enjoy the overlapping aromas, flavors, and aftertaste, as if you were looking for gold lying in the ground.【Tasting Notes】
Layered aromas.Glossy fruitiness with a hint of Hioki and the sea breeze of Islay.
Sweet and sour aroma like rose hip and taste of lychee.This whisky is characterized by a moist, lingering taste of two sea breezes.「COLOUR」
Bright Gold「AROMA」
Cut wood, rose hips, strawberry jam, Nikki, sea breeze「PALATE」
Peat (iodine), honey, salt candy, lychee, white pepper, lychee, sweet spring「FINISH」
Gentle sweetness of orange marmalade, lingering like a moist sea breeze1-2．Product Specs
| alcohol content (usu. expressed per cent) | 50% |
| distinction by alcohol | single malt |
| cask-type | Bourbon barrels, sun-aged Islay barrels, American white oak shochu litchi barrels |
| quantity of content | 700ml |
| Number of units sold | ー |
| manufacturer suggested retail price | 16,500 yen (tax included) |
| Release Date | June 18, 2025 |
１－３．Purchase Methods
Limited quantities will be available at liquor stores nationwide, starting sequentially on June 18, 2025.
２．Label design by Keiko Yuasa
2－1.Keiko Yuasa – A view born from a synergistic relationship
The work in this exhibition resonates with the relationship between the synergies of the “five elements” and the abstract scenery (forms) that came to mind and painted.
Inspired by the theme of “Doshokin” in the Five Elements philosophy, which means “gold born from the earth,” we have placed the keyword “gold that is clothed in earth but radiates unwavering light” at the core of our work.
I usually work with a technique called “scratch,” which involves scraping layers of colored paper or wood.
The act of “scraping” is similar to that of “digging in the earth,” and it is like digging up something that lies deep within, little by little, while moving your hands.
In addition, although I often use gold leaf and platinum coins to express light, this time the process of “digging” itself overlaps with “gold” as a metal or mineral, and I felt deeply the power and beauty of the light emitted from “gold” as I carefully faced the worldview of “Five Elements of Gold,” an extremely precious and rich production.It was a very precious and enriching time for me.
2－2.Artist Profile
He has held solo exhibitions in Japan and abroad, and is based in Nagoya.He also does illustrations for books and packaging.
While painting colors, scratching lines, and layering colors again, I wait for a single view to emerge.
She was in charge of artwork for a villa room at HOTEL VISON (Taki-cho, Mie Prefecture) <2021>, illustrations (and titles) for Minori Kai’s books “TABERU TANOSHIMI,” “KURASU TANOSHIMI,” and “TANABE NO TANOSHIMI” (Mill Books), and cover art for the monthly magazine “OHARA RYU OSHIBANA” (2022-2023).She has also worked on the cover art for the monthly magazine “Ohara School of Flower Cutting” (2022-2023).
In 2023, he published a collection of his works entitled “OMAMORI” (ELVIS PRESS).
To learn more about other Kanosuke distilleries, click here.
3.Finally.
Three bottles have been released so far as a collaboration with a local artist, and all of them have been very tasty, indicating that they are made with good original sake.
The taste and of course the labels are sophisticated, and I personally look forward to them very much.
There is only one “water” piece left in the artist edition.
I am now distracted, wondering what will be released next once this project is over.
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.
