Fukano rice Japanese whisky is a unique, highly-rated spirit distilled from a 100% rice mash bill and aged in various casks, often selling as limited editions that are widely available from online and local retailers. The distillery, located in Hitoyoshi, Japan, has been family-run since 1823.

Fukano is known for producing whisky from rice, utilizing a process that includes using koji (a type of mold also used in sake and shochu production) to convert starches to fermentable sugars. When un-aged, this spirit is called shochu. Aging it in oak casks transforms it into a unique type of whisky that is often compared to bourbon or single malt scotch due to the barrel influence, but it retains a distinct rice character.

• Mash Bill: 100% rice (malted and unmalted).
• Distillation: Produced in stainless steel pot stills, as the clean rice distillate does not require copper stills.
• Aging: Matured in various casks, including new charred oak, refilled white oak, Manzanilla sherry, and French red wine casks, depending on the specific edition.
• Classification: While distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan, it is sometimes not officially classified under the strict "Japanese Whisky" category rules due to its specific production methods, but is sold in export markets as "rice whisky".
• Availability: Most releases are limited editions and often sell out quickly.

Tasting Notes:

Tasting profiles vary by edition and cask type, but generally feature delicate, fruity, and sometimes spicy notes.

• Nose: Common notes include ripe fruit (peaches, plums, lychee), vanilla, coconut cream, baking spices, and floral notes (rose petals, cherry blossom, jasmine).
• Palate: The palate often has a soft, creamy or silken mouthfeel with flavors of caramel, orange peels, vanilla, orchard fruits, honey, and subtle spices like cinnamon and clove.
• Finish: The finish is typically medium to long, with lingering notes of toasted almond, banana, white chocolate-covered cherry, and occasionally an umami-rich quality.

Size: 750ml

Proof: 85.2 (42.6% ABV)

Origin: Japan

Distillery: Fukano Distillery