The HACHI Shochu, Barley (Mugi), White Oak Matured, Batch 3

THE HACHI SHOCHU, Barley (Mugi), Cask Matured is a collaboration with Miroku Shuzo, a family owned craft distillery in Oita, Japan and Hacchan who, somewhere along the way was also exposed to Whisky and the benefits of Cask Maturation. Made from local barley grown in Kitsuki and Usa (both near the distillery in Oita) and single distilled under normal atmospheric pressure (making it a Honkaku Shochu) to retain the flavors of the underlying ingredient, this Batch 3 is matured for about 3-4 years in a Refill White Oak Cask to add layers of complexity and flavour to the original spirit. Color: Gold Nose: While the top notes on the nose are a mix of vanilla, honey, fresh fruits, oak spices and fresh pencil shavings. the barley (mugi) Shochu rears its head as wet dough at the back with a hint of caramel candy sweetness. Palate: Vanilla, honey to start mixed with oak which evolves into an excellent toasted raisin bread with a fair amount of nuttiness, some smokiness and spices to finish. 

Recommended way to Drink: Straight Up, On the Rocks or as a Highball (3 parts of sparkling water to 1 part The Hachi Shochu).