Ohishi 10 Year Ex-Brandy Cask Japanese Whisky 750mL

Ohishi 10 Year Ex-Brandy Cask Japanese Whisky

Japanese Rice Whisky | 43.5% ABV | 87 Proof | 750mL | 10 Year Age Statement | Ex-Brandy Cask Matured

Process & Profile

Ohishi 10 Year Ex-Brandy Cask Japanese Whisky is a distinctive Japanese rice whisky produced by Ohishi Distillery in Mizukami, Kumamoto, Japan. Rather than following the malted-barley foundation associated with most traditional whisky, Ohishi draws on the region's long history of rice distillation to create a uniquely Japanese style.

Production begins with estate-grown and locally sourced grains, including rice, with fermentation initiated using white koji. An initial seven-day fermentation takes place in clay pots, followed by another fourteen days in stainless steel before distillation in stainless steel pot stills.

The spirit is then matured for a full 10 years in ex-brandy casks. The extended interaction with French oak and residual brandy develops layers of ripe orchard fruit, dried fruit, caramel, vanilla, roasted nuts, oak, honey, and warm spice while allowing the underlying rice character to remain present.

This bottling is presented at 43.5% ABV, or 87 proof, offering a mature yet approachable expression of Ohishi's long-aged rice whisky style.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Dried apricot, orange peel, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and delicate floral notes

Palate: Baked apple, poached pear, toffee, roasted nuts, gentle sweetness, and seasoned oak

Finish: Long and warming with dark chocolate, honey, oak, and lingering spice

What Makes It Special

Ohishi 10 Year stands apart from conventional Japanese malt whisky through both its rice-based distillate and decade-long ex-brandy cask maturation.

Ohishi Distillery is located in Mizukami in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, an area closely associated with rice cultivation and distillation. The distillery draws on six generations of family production history while using locally grown ingredients and water from the Kuma River region.

The ex-brandy casks play an equally important role. French oak and residual brandy held within the wood bring additional fruit, floral, caramel, vanilla, and oak characteristics to the delicate rice spirit. After 10 years, these influences develop into a complex profile without completely masking the distillate underneath.

Ohishi 10 Year Brandy Cask has also received significant recognition, including Best of Class Single Grain Whisky at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

How to Enjoy

Enjoy Ohishi 10 Year Ex-Brandy Cask neat in a tulip-shaped whisky glass to experience its dried fruit, orchard fruit, caramel, vanilla, roasted nuts, and mature oak character.

Allow the whisky to rest for several minutes after pouring so the pear, apple, floral, and brandy-cask aromas can develop.

A few drops of water can reveal additional fruit and sweetness, while serving it over one large ice cube provides gradual dilution for a cooler, softer pour.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Ohishi 10 Year Ex-Brandy Cask Japanese Whisky?

Ohishi 10 Year is a Japanese rice whisky produced in Mizukami, Kumamoto and matured for 10 years in ex-brandy casks.

2. What is Ohishi 10 Year Whisky made from?

Ohishi is a rice-based Japanese whisky produced with estate-grown and locally sourced grains. White koji is used during fermentation before the spirit is distilled and matured.

3. What proof is Ohishi 10 Year Ex-Brandy Cask Japanese Whisky?

This bottling is 87 proof, equal to 43.5% alcohol by volume.

4. What does Ohishi 10 Year Brandy Cask taste like?

It offers notes of dried apricot, orange peel, baked apple, pear, caramel, vanilla, toffee, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, honey, oak, and warm spice.

5. Where can I buy Ohishi 10 Year Ex-Brandy Cask Japanese Whisky?

You can buy Ohishi 10 Year Ex-Brandy Cask Japanese Whisky directly from The Barrel Tap, where you can shop Japanese whisky and other premium spirits online.