The Shizuoka Distillery, nestled in the wooded hills west of Shizuoka city and just 1.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen train, is a remarkable fusion of traditional and modern distilling techniques. Founded by Taiko Nakamura, who was inspired by his travels to distilleries in Scotland, the distillery is situated near his home in Shizuoka. Taiko’s wife, Mika, imports Scottish whisky through her company Gaia-flow, integrating a rich heritage of Scotch into their craft. Equipped with two stills made by Forsyth's in Scotland and a salvaged kettle from the legendary Karuizawa Distillery, Shizuoka Distillery offers a unique production process. The noteworthy "Wash Still" is directly heated by a wood fire, imparting a distinctive character to the whisky. The water used in the distilling process is sourced from the Southern Alps and flows through the Abe River, adding a unique taste to the final product. The Contact S is the third release from Shizuoka Distillery and showcases a blend of their two signature styles. This whisky is crafted using a combination of steam-heated Pot Still K, salvaged from Karuizawa Distillery, and a directly wood-fired Pot Still W. The diverse malts used include Japanese barley malt, Scottish peated and unpeated malt, and German beer malt, all aged in first-fill Bourbon barrels and quarter casks. The result is a complex and well-rounded whisky. The nose reveals a combination of spicy, herbal notes balanced by vanilla, flowers, and Crème Brûlée with hints of pepper, oak, and white fruit. The design of the 70cl bottle features the symbol K+W=S, representing the union of the distillates from the Karuizawa kettle and the wood-fired "wood" kettle. Shizuoka Distillery’s commitment to producing whisky in harmony with the natural surroundings of the Oku-Shizu region, using traditional methods and locally sourced materials, results in a unique and exceptional whisky that is sure to captivate any connoisseur.
Shizuoka Contact S Bourbon is aged for 3 years.
A total of 5000 bottles were produced.
The ABV is 55.5%.
While the Prologue K may be a tad richer and darker, the Shizuoka Contact S shines with its vibrancy and complexity. Its nose is a delightful blend of fruity and earthy aromas, and the taste offers an oily mouthfeel with a peppery kick and creamy vanilla undertones. The finish is long and consistent, making it a well-rounded and impressive whisky that showcases the unique craftsmanship of the Shizuoka Distillery.
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