Kiuchi Hinomaru Kome Japanese Rice Whisky

Japanese Rice Whisky | 48% ABV | Bourbon & Sherry Cask Aged | Fruity, Sweet & Complex

Kiuchi Hinomaru Kome Japanese Rice Whisky presents a distinctive Japanese interpretation of whisky, combining a rice-based grain whisky with flavorful malt whisky. Produced by Kiuchi Brewery, the expression uses a mash containing 30% sake rice, which is distilled in a pot still before being blended with malt whisky. The blend is matured for more than three years in bourbon and sherry casks, creating a profile that combines delicate rice-derived fruitiness with richer malt and oak character.

The nose is soft and inviting, with sweet aromas reminiscent of lotus honey, sugar candy, and cotton candy. On the palate, the rice component brings an elegant fruit-driven character while the malt whisky contributes additional depth, structure, and complexity. Bourbon and sherry cask maturation add layers of vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, gentle oak, and subtle spice.

Bottled at a robust 48% ABV, Hinomaru Kome offers a flavorful yet refined drinking experience. Its combination of Japanese rice, malt whisky, and dual cask maturation makes it an intriguing choice for enthusiasts looking to explore distinctive expressions beyond traditional barley-based Japanese whisky.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Lotus honey, sugar candy, cotton candy, soft fruit, and gentle malt
• Palate: Fruity and smooth with sweet grain, vanilla, caramel, malt, and subtle dried-fruit notes
• Finish: Warm and lingering with gentle oak, sweetness, malt, and delicate spice

What Makes It Special

• Rice-Based Japanese Whisky: Uses sake rice as part of the grain whisky component, giving the expression a distinctive fruity and elegant character.
• Malt Whisky Blend: Flavorful malt whisky adds depth and complexity to the softer rice-derived spirit.
• Bourbon & Sherry Casks: More than three years of maturation in both cask styles contributes sweetness, oak, fruit, and spice.
• 48% ABV: Bottled at a higher strength for a fuller and more expressive tasting experience.
• Distinctive Japanese Expression: Offers an unusual combination of rice and malt that sets it apart from conventional Japanese whisky.
• Award Recognition: Hinomaru KOME has received multiple international awards, including Silver at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.

Product Details

• Category: Japanese Whisky
• Style: Rice & Malt Whisky
• Brand: Kiuchi / Hinomaru Whisky
• Expression: KOME
• ABV: 48%
• Bottle Size: 700ml
• Maturation: Bourbon & Sherry Casks
• Age: 3+ Years
• Flavor Profile: Fruity, Sweet, Malty, Creamy & Oaky

How to Enjoy

• Neat: Ideal for experiencing the delicate rice character alongside the richer malt and cask notes.
• With a Few Drops of Water: Can open the sweeter aromas and reveal additional layers of fruit and malt.
• Over a Large Ice Cube: Softens the 48% ABV while maintaining the whisky's complexity.
• Japanese Highball: Creates a refreshing presentation that highlights its fruit-forward character.
• Pair With: Sushi, grilled seafood, roasted nuts, light pastries, fruit desserts, or mild cheeses.