Kiuchi Hinomaru Whiskey 2023 Celebration Single Malt Whisky

Limited Edition Japanese Single Malt Whisky | 48% ABV | 96 Proof | 700mL | Bourbon, Sherry & Red Wine Casks

Kiuchi Hinomaru Whiskey 2023 Celebration is a distinctive limited-edition Japanese single malt created to celebrate the arrival of 2023. Produced exclusively from malt whisky distilled at Yasato Distillery in Ibaraki, Japan, this expression brings together carefully matured spirit from bourbon, sherry, and red wine casks, creating a layered profile that combines rich oak influence with fruit, sweetness, and malt character.

The whisky is bottled at a robust 48% ABV, allowing its complex character to shine without excessive dilution. The combination of three different cask types creates an especially expressive profile: bourbon casks contribute vanilla and oak sweetness, sherry casks add depth and dried-fruit richness, while red wine casks bring additional fruit character and complexity. The result is a colorful and elegant Japanese single malt with a distinctly celebratory character.

Originally released as a limited quantity expression, the 2023 Celebration represents an early chapter in the development of Hinomaru Whisky and Kiuchi's Japanese whisky program. It received a Silver Medal at the 2023 Singapore World Spirits Competition and a Bronze Medal at the 2023 Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, adding further interest for collectors and enthusiasts of emerging Japanese single malt whisky.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Sweet malt, vanilla, ripe fruit, red berries, dried fruit, and gentle oak
• Palate: Rich malt sweetness with layers of vanilla, caramelized fruit, sherry richness, and subtle red-wine influence
• Oak: Warm oak spice and polished wood notes from the combination of bourbon, sherry, and red wine casks
• Texture: Full and expressive with a rich, rounded mouthfeel
• Finish: Long, warming, fruity, and lightly sweet with lingering oak and malt

What Makes It Special

• Limited Edition: A commemorative 2023 release produced in limited quantities.
• Japanese Single Malt: Made exclusively from malt whisky distilled at Yasato Distillery in Ibaraki.
• Triple-Cask Influence: Matured in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and red wine barrels.
• 48% ABV: Bottled at a higher strength to preserve its depth and intensity.
• Early Hinomaru Release: Represents an important early expression from Kiuchi's developing Japanese whisky program.
• Award Recognition: Earned medals at both the Singapore World Spirits Competition and Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition in 2023.
• Collector Appeal: Its limited production, distinctive cask combination, and commemorative designation make it an intriguing bottle for Japanese whisky enthusiasts.

Product Details

• Product: Kiuchi Hinomaru Whiskey 2023 Celebration Single Malt Whisky
• Type: Japanese Single Malt Whisky
• Producer: Kiuchi Sake Brewery / Kiuchi Brewing & Distilling
• Distillery: Yasato Distillery
• Origin: Ibaraki, Japan
• ABV: 48%
• Proof: 96 Proof
• Bottle Size: 700mL
• Casks: Bourbon, Sherry & Red Wine
• Style: Rich, fruity, malty, sweet, and oak-forward
• Release: 2023 Celebration Limited Edition

How to Enjoy

• Neat: The ideal way to experience the whisky's layered cask character.
• With a Few Drops of Water: Can open the aromatics and reveal additional fruit and malt nuances.
• Over a Large Ice Cube: Softens the intensity while highlighting its sweeter oak and fruit notes.
• Japanese Whisky Tasting: A particularly interesting bottle to compare alongside other Hinomaru or Japanese single malt expressions.