Hatozaki Small Batch 12 Year Old Umeshu Cask Finish is an age stated Japanese blended malt whisky from the Kaikyo Distillery in Akashi City, on the coast of Hyogo Prefecture. The brand takes its name from Japan's oldest working lighthouse, which stands in Akashi harbour, and it is crafted by the Yonezawa family, brewers since 1856 and distillers since 1917, who built the Kaikyo Distillery in 2017 around traditional Forsyths copper stills. This expression is an assemblage of single malts, each matured for a minimum of twelve years in American oak casks, then married and finished for a further six months in bespoke barrels that previously held umeshu, the beloved Japanese plum liqueur made from small ume plums macerated in ginjo sake. That secondary maturation is the signature of the bottle, layering the sweet and sour character of ume over a classic malt base. It is bottled at 46 percent alcohol by volume, non chill filtered and naturally colored, so nothing masks its texture or hue. The whisky pours a warm amber and opens gently on the nose with cereal and light iodine notes alongside honeyed malt, fresh pear and apricot. The palate is rich yet delicate, weaving orchard fruit, malt loaf and honey with a soft coastal salinity, before the umeshu finish brings a lasting wave of sweet, jammy yellow plum. Balanced, refined and easy to enjoy, it makes an ideal introduction to Japanese whisky for lovers of fruit forward and sherry finished styles. Sip it neat or with a splash of water to open the fruit, or over a single large cube, and pair it with sushi, roasted nuts or creamy desserts. Presented here with its gift box, it is a thoughtful bottle to give or to keep.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Hatozaki |
| Distillery |
The Kaikyo Distillery (Akashi, Hyogo) |
| Category |
Japanese Blended Malt Whisky |
| Age |
12 Years |
| Maturation |
American oak; finished ~6 months in umeshu (plum liqueur) casks |
| ABV |
46% |
| Proof |
92 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Japan |
| Region |
Akashi City, Hyogo |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm natural amber.
Nose: Cereal and light iodine with honeyed malt, fresh pear and apricot.
Palate: Rich yet delicate, orchard fruit, malt loaf and honey with a soft coastal salinity.
Finish: Long and sweet with jammy yellow plum from the umeshu casks.
FAQ
What is Hatozaki 12 Year Old Umeshu Cask Finish? It is a Japanese blended malt whisky aged twelve years in American oak and finished about six months in casks that held umeshu, a Japanese plum liqueur.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 46 percent alcohol by volume, which is 92 proof, non chill filtered and naturally colored.
What is umeshu? Umeshu is a traditional Japanese liqueur made by macerating small ume plums, here in ginjo sake, giving a sweet and sour plum character to the finish.
Is it a single malt? No. It is a blended malt, an assemblage of single malts, all carrying a twelve year age statement.
How should I drink it? Neat, with a splash of water, or over a single large cube. It pairs well with sushi, roasted nuts or creamy desserts.
Where can I buy Hatozaki 12 Year Old Small Batch Umeshu Cask Finish Japanese Whisky online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
