963 Yamakazura 21 Year Old Cask Strength Blended Japanese Whisky (700ml)

‘Yamazakura’ is a relatively new brand in the Sasanokawa portfolio. The Japanese company dating back to 1765 has been traditionally known for their sake and schochu. Based in the city of Koriyama (postcode 963) they expanded into whisky in the 1940s, long before the start of Japan's whisky boom. This represents a high-end complement to their entry level whisky range. Yamazakura distillery in Koriyama city was reportedly mothballed in 1998, however the Akuto family who were releasing blended malt whisky from their Hanyu distillery vatted with Scotch from Aberlour distillery, sold their Hanyu stocks to Sasanokawa in 2000. They in turn stored this whisky in their barrelhouse with their own ageing stock. Ichiro Akuto brought back most of this stock to release as the first Ichiro’s malt – the now infamous card series. As the story goes, what was retained by Sasanokawa Shuzo has gone into this blend - so it should include Yamazakura and Hanyu whiskies as well as some Taoshuzo malt. Reportedly never offered outside of Japan. 58.2% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.