Jasmine from The Food Journal with Tatsuya Usami when he was here in Singapore.
We caught up with the founder of Shinobu Whisky, Tatsuya Usami, while he was here in Singapore. Tatsuya is also the Master Blender of the line of whisky and the one who spearheaded the switch from making beer to distilling whisky for the company.
Hailing from Niigata, a region in Japan known for its “Three Whites” of snow, rice and sake, the decision to make whisky stems from how the distinct seasons make for ample spring water that is pure and natural. Shinobu means “forbearance” in Japanese, to infer to the excellent quality of the whisky distilled under the harsh wintery conditions.
Niigata’s distinct climate make for ample pure spring water ideal for whisky distilling. (source: Shutterstock)
The Shinobu Pure Malt Whisky is initially matured in bourbon and sherry casks, before they are finished with precious Japanese Mizunara oak in Japan. Also known as the Japanese oak, the Mizunara oak is one of the rarest and most expensive oaks in the world and is only used in luxury spirits. This species of oak is protected by the Japanese government and cannot be felled, that is, the oak trees must fall naturally in order to be cut down.
Mizu-nara in Japanese translates to “water oaks” due to its high water content. Being more porous as well, the Mizunara oak allows the whisky to soak more deeply into the word and hence pick up more flavours.
The result in Shinobu Whisky is a unique fusion of flavours that is complex yet smooth, and both sweet and mellow to the taste. It is all natural with no added colouring, and is known to be easy to drink.
And its premium taste has not gone unnoticed – The Shinobu Pure Malt Whisky Mizunara Oak Finish has won multiple Silver awards to date, including International Wine & Spirit Competition 2022, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2020, and 76th Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, 2019.
Shinobu Whisky is available at various online and alcohol retailers in Singapore and is one to offer you a unique taste of Japan for whisky lovers that we would highly recommend.
Shinobi Whisky is available online at most major whisky retailers.
