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 have expected looks of bewilderment and downright disbelief. I’d even go as far as saying you would have thought me a bit mad! I didn’t say that, but I wish I had known—because now I would be sitting on a pile of highly 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 in recent years. Japanese whisky has become the must-have drink for casual sippers and serious collectors alike. Consumers are less concerned with heritage and more focused on uniqueness as a benchmark for quality. Japan is a prime example, but further proof can be found in emerging whisky scenes from Taiwan, India, Sweden, and Tasmania.
Now, there’s another development keeping the old guard on their toes. Due to the success of Japan’s major whisky producers, we are starting to see smaller Japanese craft distilleries enter the global stage. These micro brands fall into a new category called ji-whisky—where "ji" means local. This implies that the whisky is produced by a small, traditional, family-owned distillery.
We Just Happen to Have...
It just so happens that we’ve received a perfect example of ji-whisky: Fujikai 10 Year Old single malt. Production of this rare whisky is extremely limited (I doubt we will see another batch), and it is made by Monde Shuzou, a well-established winemaker based in Fuefuki, Yamanashi, which has been producing small-batch whisky since 1967.
Since this is a ji-whisky, obtaining it in Europe would normally be difficult. However, thanks to a partnership with European distributor Les Whiskies du Monde, 8808 bottles have been allocated for Western markets. The distributors are French, so don’t be surprised to see a mix 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 found in traditional Scotch malts—but the similarities end there. The whisky presents an unusual aroma with plum, apple, and creamy hints reminiscent of a crisp white wine. Though production details have been mysteriously withheld by the Master Distiller, a subtle smoky note hints at the inclusion 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 that’s kind of the point. Monde Shuzo’s winemaking heritage shines through, and like fine white wines, each sip reveals new and exciting flavours.
Colour: Deep copper—surprisingly dark for a 10-year-old whisky.
Nose: Vegetal and musky, with thyme, iodine, acetone, a hint of vanilla, and fruit.
Palate: Peat, geranium leaf, dried herbs, green apple, and walnut.
Finish: Drying with hints of dark spices.