Shibui Grain Select Japanese Whisky 750ml

Shibui Grain Select is the wheat driven world whisky in Shibui's award winning Niigata range, a brand built on the Japanese art of blending under the motto "we don't distill, we discover." Blended and bottled in Niigata, Japan, Shibui sources and marries whiskies rather than distilling its own, and the Grain Select brings together Niigata Japanese grain whisky and Lowland Scotch grain whisky in a light, elegant, East meets West blend. Made from a mashbill of 95% wheat and 5% malted barley, distilled in continuous column stills, it is matured across three cask types: American ex bourbon barrels for vanilla and coconut, European Oloroso sherry casks for depth and dried fruit, and rare Japanese Mizunara oak for the signature sandalwood and fragrant spice. Bottled non chill filtered and of natural color at 43% ABV to preserve the full character. Scoring 90 points from both Whisky Advocate and the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Shibui Grain Select is a light, subtly sweet, and remarkably versatile whisky, excellent neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, and an accessible, well priced introduction to the Shibui range and to wheat based Japanese world whisky.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Pale gold to light champagne (natural color).

Nose: Cereal grain, baked lemon, aniseed, roasted nuts, jellied pear, honeysuckle, gentle spice, sandalwood, and a coastal mineral note.

Palate: Light bodied and floral with lemon and lychee opening into juicy mandarin, dried apricot, tropical fruits, coconut, ripe citrus, and baked apple, with black pepper and clove emerging early.

Finish: Smooth and long with citrus, ground ginger, white peppercorn, and a clean cereal warmth.

FAQ

What is Shibui? Shibui is a Japanese whisky brand built on the art of blending and sourcing rather than distilling, summed up by its motto "we don't distill, we discover." The brand bottles whiskies under two ranges: the Niigata range (world whisky blends marrying Japanese and Scotch stock) and the Okinawa range (rice based whiskies distilled entirely in Japan). The word "shibui" refers to a refined, understated, timeless aesthetic.

What kind of whisky is Grain Select? It is a grain whisky made primarily from wheat (95% wheat, 5% malted barley), distilled in continuous column stills, and blended from Niigata Japanese grain whisky and Lowland Scotch grain whisky. This makes it a "world whisky" blend, lighter and more delicate than a malt whisky, with a fruit forward and subtly sweet profile.

What casks is it matured in? Three cask types: American ex bourbon barrels (vanilla, coconut), European Oloroso sherry casks (depth, dried fruit), and rare Japanese Mizunara oak (sandalwood, fragrant spice). It is bottled non chill filtered and of natural color to retain maximum character and texture.

How should I drink it? Its light, subtly sweet, fruit forward character makes it extremely versatile, excellent neat, over ice, in a Japanese highball, or as a smooth base for cocktails. The accessible price point makes it a great everyday pour and an easy introduction to Japanese world whisky.

Is it really Japanese whisky? Shibui Grain Select is blended and bottled in Niigata, Japan, combining Japanese grain whisky with Lowland Scotch grain whisky. Like several whiskies in this category, it is a world whisky blend rather than a 100% Japanese distilled product, reflecting the long Japanese tradition of blending domestic and imported stock. Shibui is transparent about this East meets West approach.

Where can I buy Shibui Grain Select online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.