Meiyo Pure Malt 15 Year Old Japanese Whisky

A Whisky embodiment of the honor of the samurai.

Chances are you've already stumbled upon the term "Bushido", for which this series of Japanese Whiskies is named. It roughly translates to "The Way of the Warrior" and is most often used in regard to the code of the samurai. It typically honors 7 virtues and Bushido Series Whisky has taken it upon themselves to practice the very same 7 ideals, each one reflected in a corresponding bottle. This way they are paying homage to rich Japanese tradition as well as having enough wiggle room to show exactly how much the Japanese Whisky masters have to offer. The ones that have thus far been released are a blast — which should come as no surprise, since they are distilled in the famous Kumesen Distillery from Okinawa.

While acknowledging their Scottish inspiration, these guys aim to bring age statement Japanese Whisky back with a bang and have so far been knocking it out of the park, with plenty of awards to show for it. The Land of the Rising Sun has a specific edge — and not just that of the katana — their water is a crystal clear base and their colder winters and warmer summers result in a quicker and deeper maturation. Then there's the Japanese people, known for their lifelong pursuit of perfection. We'd be hard pressed to find a better home for a proper Whisky to grow up in.

The term "Meiyo" stands for "honor" and is one of the 7 virtues of the samurai. Samurai warriors are true to themselves and their decisions must reflect this. Nothing wrong to carry such morals into the modern age as well. And a perfect virtue for Meiyo Pure Malt 15YO Japanese Whisky to embody. This 2020 edition follows in the footsteps of Meiyo 17YO Single Grain Whisky, but, you know it, comes in Pure Malt form and is aged in ex-Bourbon casks. Nothing left to add but "cheers", or as our Japanese brethren would say: Kanpai!