© Kanosuke Distillery, Signature Single Malt Whisky

In the world of whisky, tradition and innovation often find themselves in a delicate dance, and no distillery embodies this balance more gracefully than Kanosuke Japanese Whisky. Nestled on the southern tip of Japan in Kagoshima, the Kanosuke Distillery is a testament to a rich heritage that spans over 140 years.

Once renowned for their mastery of shochu, the Komasa family has now turned their meticulous craft toward whisky, creating expressions that are as much a tribute to their past as they are a bold step into the future.

A Family Legacy Distilled

The Kanosuke Distillery was founded in 2017, but the story behind this venture is one steeped in history. The Komasa family has been perfecting the art of distillation for generations, with a reputation built on the back of their exceptional shochu.

The new distillery, however, marks a significant evolution in their craft. Named after Kanosuke Komasa, the second-generation leader of their parent company Komasa Jyozo, this whisky distillery is more than just a nod to family tradition; it’s a reimagining of it.

Unlike many Japanese whiskies, which often take their names from the places they are made, Kanosuke is named in honor of a person—a choice that speaks volumes about the values of the Komasa family. It’s a name that carries with it the weight of a legacy, the pride of four generations, and the passion for creating something that is both timeless and transformative.

© Kanosuke Distillery, Komasa Brothers cheers to their ancestors

The Craft of Kanosuke Japanese Whisky: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Located on a 2.2-acre tract of land along Fukiagehama, a beach on the west coast of Kagoshima Prefecture, the Kanosuke Distillery is a picturesque setting where the salty breeze from the ocean mingles with the rich aroma of aging whisky. The tagline “Mellow Land, Mellow Whisky” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this place—a land shaped by time, where whisky is crafted with the patience and care it deserves.

One of the unique aspects of Kanosuke’s whisky production is their use of three distinct pot stills, a rarity in small distilleries where two pot stills are the norm. Each still has a different neck shape and lyne arm angle, resulting in a diverse range of distillates that contribute to the complex flavor profiles of Kanosuke whiskies. This innovative approach allows Kanosuke to create whiskies with an elegant richness that speaks to both the old and the new.

At the heart of Kanosuke’s offerings is their signature malt whisky, which is aged in a combination of new white oak and bourbon barrels. This aging process imparts the whisky with a flavor that is as layered as it is inviting.

On the nose, expect notes of banana, lemon peel, and ginger, leading into a palate of vanilla, orange marmalade, and almond. The finish is a delightful mix of candied ginger and a bittersweet aftertaste that lingers, tempting you to take just one more sip.

© Kanosuke Distillery, Japan

The Collection: A Masterpiece Unveiled

On June 26, Millennial Magazine had the privilege of attending an exclusive tasting event at NoBu West Hollywood, where the 4th-generation family member and Master Blender, Mr. Yoshitsugu Komasa, unveiled three new core expressions of Kanosuke whisky. Each of these offerings is a testament to the distillery’s dedication to crafting whiskies that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

1. Kanosuke Japanese Single Malt Whisky

This single malt is the epitome of what Kanosuke stands for—elegant, rich, and full of character. Distilled in pot stills and aged in a combination of oak and bourbon barrels, this whisky captures the essence of the Kagoshima coast.

The nose opens with aromas of stone fruit and lemongrass, inviting you into a complex palate where black tea, orange peel, and red berries play off each other in a harmonious balance. The finish is oak-rich with a touch of bitterness, leaving a lingering taste of rich fruits that invite contemplation.

2. Kanosuke Hioki Japanese Pot Still Grain Whisky

The Hioki Grain Whisky is a unique expression that showcases the distillery’s ability to push the boundaries of what Japanese whisky can be. Distilled in their specially designed pot stills, this whisky offers a beautifully layered experience.

On the nose, you’ll find an enticing mix of vanilla and citrus, which gives way to a palate of creamy caramel and toasted almonds. The finish is long and satisfying, with notes of candied ginger that leave a bittersweet, yet welcoming, aftertaste.

3. Kanosuke Double Distillery Japanese Blended Whisky

Perhaps the most intriguing of the trio, the Double Distillery Blended Whisky is a masterclass in blending. Combining the best of both pot stills and grain whisky, this expression is as complex as it is enjoyable. The aroma is rich with the scent of stone fruit and freshly cut lemongrass, while the palate delivers a robust bite that is both bittersweet and deeply satisfying.

Notes of black tea, orange peel, and red berries make their presence known, while the finish—a blend of oak-rich fruits and a hint of bitterness—keeps you coming back for more.

A Global Journey: From Kagoshima to the World

While Kanosuke is deeply rooted in the traditions of Kagoshima, its appeal is far from limited to the shores of Japan. The distillery’s whiskies have found their way into glasses across the globe, from the United States to France, Germany, the UK, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macao, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia.

Each bottle of Kanosuke carries with it the story of the Komasa family, a story that resonates with whisky lovers everywhere.

© Kanosuke Distillery, Tasting

The Tasting Experience: Mellow Land, Mellow Whisky

Tasting Kanosuke whisky is more than just drinking a spirit; it’s an experience that connects you to a place, a family, and a legacy. Whether you’re savoring the sweet, complex notes of their single malt, enjoying the layered flavors of their Hioki Grain Whisky, or exploring the depth of their Double Distillery Blend, each sip is a reminder of the meticulous care and passion that goes into every bottle.

As the whisky world continues to evolve, Kanosuke stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when tradition meets innovation. With their new collection, the Komasa family has not only honored their past but also created a future for Japanese whisky that is as bright and promising as the sun-soaked beaches of Kagoshima.

So, whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or someone new to the world of Japanese whisky, Kanosuke offers an invitation—come, taste, and discover a whisky that is truly transformed by time. Let the mellow land of Kagoshima introduce you to the mellow whisky that is Kanosuke.

As we immerse ourselves in the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of Kanosuke Hioki Japanese Pot Still Grain Whisky, it’s only fitting to savor its essence in a way that truly honors its complexity—introducing the Kagoshima Sunset, a signature cocktail that captures the spirit of Kagoshima’s coastal beauty in every sip.

This signature Kanosuke Japanese Whisky libation is one of the best summer cocktails. Namely, the Kagoshima Sunset, it’s flavors are designed to showcase the rich, complex notes of the Kanosuke Hioki Japanese Pot Still Grain Whisky. Inspired by the stunning sunsets over the coast of Kagoshima, this cocktail balances the whisky’s depth with vibrant, complementary flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Kanosuke Hioki Japanese Pot Still Grain Whisky
• 0.75 oz Angeleno Amaro
• 0.5 oz Yuzu juice (or fresh lemon juice)
• 0.25 oz honey syrup (2:1 honey to water)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist, for garnish
• Fresh shiso leaf, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the glass: Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice water and setting it aside.
2. Mix the cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine the Kanosuke Hioki Japanese Pot Still Grain Whisky, Amaro Nonino, yuzu juice, honey syrup, and Angostura bitters. Add ice and stir well until the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted.
3. Strain and serve: Empty the coupe glass of the ice water. Double strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass to remove any ice shards.
4. Garnish: Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink, and drop it into the glass. For an added touch of elegance, place a fresh shiso leaf on the side of the glass as a garnish.

Tasting Notes:

The Kagoshima Sunset is a harmonious blend of sweet, bitter, and citrusy notes that accentuates the rich, nuanced profile of Kanosuke Japanese Whisky. The Amaro Angeleno introduces a bittersweet depth, while the yuzu juice adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the whisky.

The honey syrup softens the edges, bringing everything together in a smooth, well-rounded finish. The orange twist adds a fragrant citrus note that complements the whisky’s inherent flavors, while the shiso leaf offers a subtle, herbaceous aroma that enhances the overall experience.

This cocktail is perfect for sipping as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, a tribute to the beauty of Kagoshima and the craftsmanship of Kanosuke.