Hakata 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Whiskey 700ml

Hikari Shuzo began as a sake brewer on Kyushu Island in the early twentieth century before pivoting to shochu production in 1912. Today the distillery operates out of Fukuoka, near Hakata Station, where its brewmasters continue building on more than a century of fermentation knowledge, sourcing sustainably farmed barley and holding to traditional methods across both their shochu and whisky programs.

Hakata 10 Year is crafted from a 100% barley mash, with a portion fermented using koji, the mold typically used in shochu and sake production rather than in whisky. This introduces the savory, umami character that sets Hakata apart from most single malts. Following distillation, the spirit matures for a decade in used sherry casks, primarily within traditional-style warehouses, though some barrels rest in open-air storage where they experience Fukuoka's dramatic seasonal swings, from humid 95-degree summers to winters near 38 degrees, a contrast that deepens the whisky's character over time.

The nose opens with lemon meringue and strawberry preserves layered over earthy old oak. On the palate, rich sherry mingles with walnut and sweet raspberry, developing further into plum, black cherry, and savory tamari notes. The finish runs long and complex, closing on vanilla oak, raisin, and orange peel.