Kanosuke Whisky: The Rising Star of Japanese Whisky at Izakaya Juraku

One of the more interesting names in the new wave of Japanese craft distilleries is Kanosuke Whisky. It comes from Kagoshima, and it's quickly earned a reputation for rich, complex, well-balanced expressions.

The Story Behind Kanosuke Whisky

Founded in 2017 by Komasa Jyozo, a company with over 130 years of expertise in shochu-making, Kanosuke Distillery sits along the picturesque coastline of Kagoshima Prefecture. Unlike traditional whisky houses, Kanosuke brings a shochu-influenced approach to whisky-making, using barrels previously used for aging their signature Mellowed Kozuru Shochu, adding a unique depth of flavor.

Kanosuke Whisky's Distillation and Aging Process

Kanosuke Whisky is crafted with a philosophy of "mellowing with time," a concept drawn from the slow, delicate aging process of premium shochu.

• Three pot stills: Kanosuke uses three pot stills of different shapes and sizes, allowing for greater diversity in flavor profiles
• Coastal aging: the barrels are aged in a warehouse facing the sea, where the climate contributes to the whisky's rich character and gentle salinity
• Barrel selection: a mix of American oak, ex-shochu barrels, and even ex-bourbon casks, resulting in a layered, balanced complexity

Kanosuke Whisky Expressions

• Kanosuke Single Malt 2021: aged in ex-shochu and bourbon casks, with notes of vanilla, caramel, ripe orchard fruits, gentle smoke, and a smooth, mellow finish with hints of salted caramel
• Kanosuke 2022 Limited Edition: a limited-release blend of multiple cask types, with a silky mouthfeel, flavors of honey, baking spices, and roasted nuts, and a long, warming finish with a whisper of sea breeze
• Kanosuke Distillery Exclusive: special releases available only at the distillery, showcasing unique barrel experiments with rich umami depth, often influenced by shochu barrel aging

How to Enjoy Kanosuke Whisky at Izakaya Juraku

• Neat or on the rocks: experience the delicate balance of flavors in its purest form
• Highball (mizuwari): enjoy it the Japanese way with a refreshing whisky highball
• Paired with Japanese cuisine: Kanosuke's smooth, slightly coastal profile makes it a fantastic match for yakitori, grilled fish, and umami-rich dishes

Try Kanosuke Whisky at Izakaya Juraku (121 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002). Ask our bartenders for a recommendation. We think this is one of the next big names in Japanese whisky.

Kanpai!