This May, Japanese whisky enthusiasts have a new liquid to get excited about: Fuji Single Grain Whiskey. A delicious expression of Japanese whisky, Fuji Single Grain Japanese Whiskey is made exclusively from the grain whiskey of the world-renowned Mt. Fuji Distillery.
A premium yet accessible expression of Japanese whisky, Fuji Single Grain is the blend of three types of grain whiskey, each distilled using three different methods that reflect flavour profiles similar to Bourbon, Canadian and Scotch Whiskey. Combined with Japanese craftsmanship, the final liquid features the quintessential characteristics of those styles of whisky; a fusion of flavours to create a one-of-a-kind Japanese style whisky – delicately fruity, mellow and with multi-layered profiles.
Established in 1973, Fuji Gotemba Distillery took a different approach to most other Japanese distilleries who followed Scottish methods, instead adopting whisky production techniques from most of the major whisk(e)y countries around the world; America, Canada and Scotland. The result is a whisky that is uniquely Japanese and celebrates its remarkable artistry.
“We have seen the demand for Japanese whisky skyrocket over the last decade which has driven scarcity and created a rush for people to try it before it was gone. We are so fortunate that we have been building a library of world class whiskies for decades and are excited to now be sharing this with Australia,” said Jota Tanaka, Master Distiller & Blender.
Situated at 234 feet above sea level, the distillery’s unique location has an ideal microclimate and altitude to mature whisky, with the gift of Mt. Fuji itself directly influencing the spirit. Taking decades to naturally filter its snow melt water from mountain to distillery, this natural purification process results in pure, pristine water perfect for distillation and employed throughout the entire whisky production process, it’s influence integral to the Fuji style.
Highly acclaimed Master Distiller and Blender, Jota Tanaka is only the second person to hold the position of Master Blender in Japan and last month was inducted into the Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. Tanaka has over 30 years’ experience, having guided the creation of whisky at Mt. Fuji Distillery since 2017.
“We have seen the demand for Japanese whisky skyrocket over the last decade which has driven scarcity and created a rush for people to try it before it was gone. We are so fortunate that we have been building a library of world class whiskies for decades and are excited to now be sharing this with Australia,” said Jota Tanaka.
What was once a best kept secret, Japanese Whisky has seen a 30.7 percent growth in value over the last quarter1, highlighting a ten-fold increase in whisky’s general growth in Australia during the same period at 31.1 percent.
Fuji Whiskey delivers a multi-layered style of Japanese whisky, highlighting baked fruits, hints of white grape and orange zest, and a full-bodied mouthfeel. Tanaka recommends pairing with raw fish, red meats and sweet desserts.
Fuji Single Grain Japanese Whiskey is imported and distributed by Vanguard Luxury Brands, so reach out to your rep for more info. The RRP is $180.