Hakata 16 Year Old Sherry Cask Whiskey 700ml

The Hikari Distillery has been at work in Fukuoka since 1912, situated on Kyushu Island in Japan's premier region for barley shochu production. Rooted in techniques more commonly associated with sake and shochu brewing, the distillery has built its reputation on a rare koji-fermented approach to whisky, one that sets its expressions apart from nearly every other Japanese producer.

This whisky is distilled from 100% barley, with koji introduced to steamed grain to convert starch into fermentable sugar, a method more efficient than traditional malt enzymes and one that lends the spirit its distinctive umami character. The distillery employs a single distillation using both standard pressure and vacuum techniques before the spirit rests for sixteen years in fresh sherry butts. Some casks mature in traditional warehouses, while others sit in open-air storage exposed to Fukuoka's full seasonal range, from humid 95-degree summers to winters near 38 degrees, a swing that deepens complexity over time.

The nose opens with Seville orange marmalade, milk chocolate, and ground pepper, layered over soft oak and integrated umami depth. On the palate, expect an oily richness carrying bitter dark chocolate, citrus oil, fresh walnut, and black cherry. The finish turns creamy, closing on roasted hazelnut and a lingering warmth. Pair it with dark chocolate or a rich, aged cheese.