About the distillery : The Kaikyo distillery produces two different sets of whiskies: Yonezawa Family Reserve single malt whiskies are distilled in new copper stills and aged in a selection of oak barrels, sherry imported with local Mizunara oak. The distillation of signature single malts using the new stills began in 2017.

About the Hatozaki brand : All Hatozaki whiskies are the result of a double blend: First, the master blender selects the spirits to compose the basic blends. These are the whiskies that will later carry the dominant structure and flavor of the final spirit. They are allowed to marry quietly in barrels until necessary, while being constantly watched as they continue to mature. Secondly, it takes a proportion of each whisky (a different proportion whenever the flavor and character of the foundation blends continue to develop in barrel) and re-examine them with other individual whiskies that provide extra florality, depth and finesse until the final blend. After a final period of marriage to establish the harmony of the mixture, the whisky is bottled. This multi-layered process allows the complexity and balance so prized in mixed Japanese whiskies.

Detailed tasting notes : Hatozaki Pure Malt Small Batch offers malt and dried fruit aromas on the nose, an experience that is confirmed on the palate with the emergence of honeyed notes, then culminating in a subtly smoky finish.