(Image Source: Tomatin)

You probably haven't heard of the name Shirakawa. Even Japanese whisky maniacs would be pardoned for being stumped, most of whom would be most familiar with the likes of lost distilleries like Karuizawa, Hanyu or Kawasaki. Yet, catching the whisky-verse's attention is Takara Shuzo's latest Shirakawa 1958, said to be the oldest known single vintage Japanese whisky.

Takara Shuzo is the parent of brands such as Scotch distillery Tomatin, and of beloved Sake brand Mio. The company had long used whisky from Shirakawa Distillery for its flagship "King" blend, and so a single malt from the distillery was never officially released, having been acquired by Takara Shuzo in 1947 before finally being demolished in 2003.

(Image Source: Tomatin)



“There are no known examples of Japanese Whisky claiming to be from a Single Vintage that predates Shirakawa 1958,

Even though Shirakawa Distillery was one of the pioneers of malt whisky making in Japan, the liquid was never officially available as a single malt. This limited 1,500 bottle release will see the Japanese Whisky category, one of the most sought-after categories of spirit in the world, continue to grow from strength to strength”.

- Stefan van Eycken, Japanese Whisky Expert

(Image Source: Tomatin)

Shirakawa Distillery

The distillery was located 200km north of Tokyo, established by a company named Daikoku Budoshu in 1939 and had operated from 1951 to 1969, producing malt whisky said to have used local Japanese malted barley and Mizunara oak casks - highly prized in Japanese whiskies today.

“Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd had been bought by Takara Shuzo in 1986 and I became fascinated by the story of Shirakawa and its history of whisky production. There had never been an official single malt bottling, and the distillery had long gone, but I couldn’t help wondering what if a part of liquid history lay unearthed. After several in-depth discussions with colleagues at Takara Shuzo,, the last remaining parcel of Shirakawa was identified in 2019. When I discovered that the last remaining stock was distilled in 1958, I was astounded! It was a genuine WOW moment as I realised very quickly that what we were  dealing with was extremely rare.”

- Stephen Bremner, Managing Director of Tomatin Distillery

(Image Source: Tomatin)

The 1958 Single Malt to be released remains somewhat of a mystery with only previous employees and piecemeal documents left of what is known about its history. What was discovered was that the 1958 Shirakawa was distilled in said vintage, aged in cask and then at some point subsequently transferred to ceramic jars at the distillery.

After the distillery was shuttered, it was then transferred into stainless steel tanks at Takara Shuzo's facility in Kyushu where it rested until now. Hence the exact age of the whisky is unknown, although again it is claimed to be of malted Japanese barley and aged in Mizunara oak casks, although key details about the type of barley and length of maturation remains unknown.

(Image Source: Tomatin)

Tasting Notes by Dave Broom

Aroma

Resinous, slight dry earth, dried citrus peels, a hint of wax. Aromatic. A drop of water makes it more vibrant and also shows clear maturity as well as a hint of incense. Exotic. 

Taste

The palate is expansive with a succulent texture and hints of fragrant grass. Fruits emerge in  the middle. Layered, spiced, and dry. Water brings out ash from an incense burner, a satisfying mouthfeel and surprisingly perky acidity. 

Finish

Nicely balanced and persistent on the finish which picks up mint flavouring and makes it more camphor-like.

In total, 1,500 bottles of the 1958 Shirakawa will be bottled for sale via Tomatin's online website and retail partners including Harrod's, Berry Bros, The Whisky Exchange and Royal Mile Whiskies. Each 700ml bottle will go for an RRP of 25,000 GBP or $29,450 USD.

Kanpai!

@111hotpot