Ohishi Distillery
Ohishi is the closest distillery to the source of the Kuma River. The Kuma River is one of the 3 fastest flowing in Japan and is renowned for its superior water quality. The Ohishi Distillery is blessed with fertile Soil and clear underground water, elements of an environment in which it upholds tradition but is always open to experimenting with new approaches. They use 30% of rice grown in their own fields. It is “gohyakumanishi”( 5 million stones) rice. The gohyakumanishi rice is grown in Ubuyamamura using an organic farming method that involves the use of koi carp to control weeds in paddy fields). They combine it with a mochi rice from Kumamoto Prefecture as a main ingredient. With about 1200 Sherry and Brandy casks, Ohishi Distillery puts a lot of effort into maturing its products over a long period of time.
Awards & Reviews
SFWSC Best of Class 2020:
Single Grain Whisky – Ohishi 10 yr Old Brandy Cask Matured Japanese Whisky
Best Sakura Cask Japanese Whisky: Ohishi Sakura Cask – Men’s Journal Spirits Awards 2024
Ohishi Brandy 10 yo
By using brandy casks for maturation, the elegance of the pure distillate of Ohishi Whisky is allowed to shine as it interplays with the French Oak and residual Brandy soaked into the staves of the cask. The color stays lighter and the whisky carries a more floral aroma with hi-tone fruit flavors like pears and green apples. The whisky retains the remnants of its rice origin and sophistication.
Ohishi Sherry 8 yo
Ohishi has been maturing in Sherry Casks for almost 40 years, they have long standing relationships with cooporages that source the best casks for them. These Sherry cask matured whiskies take on the flavors of dark dried fruits with notes of cinnamon and tobacco.
Ohishi Brandy
Ohishi Brandy is distilled in the South of Japan and maturd exclusively in ex-Brandy casks.
Tasting notes include high-tone furits like apples and pears, followed by honey with a touch of floral notes. It has a silky testure on the palate.
Ohishi Sherry
Ohishi Sherry is distilled in the South of Japan and maturd exclusively in rich Sherry casks.
Tasting notes include deep Sherry inluence, rich plums and raisins; with a touch of Allspice, Oak, and Umami.
Other Ohishi Malted Rice Whisky Releases
Ohishi Port Cask – Bottled at 43.5% abv, Ohishi Port offers a well-balanced abundance of flavors with chocolate, stewed fruit, whole spices, and lithe red wine leading the way. The finish is simple yet refreshing and sums up this one-of-a-kind experience perfectly.
Ohishi Islay Cask – At 7-years-old, Ohishi Islay Cask is 5 casks of Ohishi Sherry and 5 casks of Ohishi Brandy Casks finished for more than 1 year in ex-Islay (Bourbon) barrels.
Ohishi Sakura Cask – Sakura (Cherry Blossom) is locally grown in Kumamoto close to the distillery.
This whisky is matured in Brandy and Sherry casks and then finished in the Sakura casks for at least one full year.
The Sakura gives a rich color and soft Oak spice influence to the whisky.
A great example of Japenese terroir, this whisky is made with locally grown rice, is locally distilled, matured, and finally finished in the locally grown Oak barrels.
Note: this is full Sakura cask, not just a barrel head.
Ohishi Whisky Tokubetsu Reserve – At 40.5% abv Ohishi Tokubetsu Reserve is a very special release of almost equal parts 27yr old (29%), 10yr old (35%), and 7yr old (36%) Ohishi Whisky Sherry Casks. The 27-year-old Ohishi Whisky provides the dark Oak and the marks of old age while the 7 and 10-year -old casks give a youthfulness and zest bringing harmony and complexity to the final product.
As if it were a true Japanese literary masterpiece, the gift box opens from left to right, opposite from Western whisky releases, just like a Japanese book.
Awards include 93 Points by WhiskyAdvocate, 92 Points by Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Whiskey & Barrel Consumer Choice Awards 2020 – Consumer Choice Award (Japanese Whisky Category)