Fukano Vault Reserve Whisky #2

A complex and bolder rice-based Whisky from northern Japan with a surprisingly bold profile.

Fukano Distillery has been operated in Hitayoshi City since 1823 by five generations of the Fukano family. The current head of the business is Shigeruriku Fukano. Their primary product is Shōchū — an un-aged, lightly distilled spirit usually around 25% ABV. It’s exceptionally popular in Japan and has been produced there since the 16th century. Interestingly, since most of their products are based upon rice, sweet potatoes, and sugar — ingredients low in sulphur — their stills are made of stainless steel.

In late 2018 the Fukano Distillery announce a quartet of limited edition releases — The Fukano Vault. All of them strictly limited editions. Well there are a few bottles of Fukano Vault Reserve #2 left to be had and we got our hands on a few of them (there were just 3,850 beer-shaped bottles in total). This rice-based spirit is blend aged in casks from three to eleven years and vatted to rest for up to sixteen years — creating a complex, balanced dram with a pleasant floral aroma and surprisingly bold flavor profile. Delivered at 40.4% ABV.