Fujikai Rare Japanese Whisky

If I had suggested five years ago that Japanese drams would rock the whisky industry to its very foundations I would expect looks of bewilderment and downright disbelief; I'd even go as far as saying you would have thought me more than a bit mad! I didn't say that but I wish I had known as I would now be sitting on a pile of very collectible, and profitable, whisky! The traditional power players in the global whisky industry, namely the Scottish and Irish, have had a lot to worry about the last few years as Japanese whisky has become the must have drink for for those who enjoy the odd tot to serious whisky collectors alike. Consumers are less concerned with heritage and are focusing more on uniqueness as a benchmark for determining quality. Japan is a great example of this but further proof lies in the whisky appearing on the global stage from unknown elements like Taiwan, India, Sweden, and Tasmania. Well here's another development to keep the old guard on their toes; due to the popularity of the Japanese big boys, we are now seeing the emergence of of smaller Japanese craft distilleries onto the global scene. These micro brands fall under a new category called ji-whisky, with the term ji meaning local. This implies that the whisky is from a small, traditional producer who's distillery is family owned.

We Just Happen To Have....

It just so happens that we have just received a perfect example of ji-whisky in the shape of the Fujikai 10 Year Old single malt. Production of this rare whisky is extremely limited (I doubt we will see another batch) and it's produced by Monde Shuzou, a well established wine maker based in Fuefuki in Yamanashi who have also been producing small batch whisky since 1967. Due to the fact that this is a ji-whisky it would normally be difficult to obtain in Europe but, thanks to a partnership with European distributor Les Whiskies du Monde, there have been 8808 bottles allocated for us westerners. Obviously the distributors are French so don't be alarmed when you see a mixture of Japanese and French text on the box!

Fujikai 10 Years Old

Fujikai is matured for ten years in bourbon casks and delivers the characteristic warm spice, walnut and deep vanilla notes enjoyed in traditional Scotch malts but after that the similarities end rather abruptly. There is a surprisingly plumy, apple aroma with deep creamy hints reminiscent of a crisp white wine. Despite the full production notes being mysteriously held back by the Master Distiller, a hint of smoke hints at the use of a small amount of peated barley. This is a truly unique whisky and a refreshing addition to the single malt category. Some people will love it and some will hate it but I feel that's kind of the point here. Monde Shuzo's wine making heritage shines here and, much like the finest white wines, each mouthful reveals new and exciting flavours. You can buy it here.

Colour: Deep copper. Surprisingly dark for a 10 year old whisky.

Nose: Vegetal and musky, thyme, iodine, acetone, a hint of vanilla and fruit.

Palate: Peat, geranium leaf, dried herbs, green apple and walnut.

Finish: Drying with some dark spices.