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Nishi Shuzo (Ontake)

Ontake Single Malt

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Category
Single Malt
ABV
43%
Price Range
$100 – $250
Volume
700ml
Cask Type
Solera Oloroso sherry casks
βœ“ JSLMA Certified Japanese Whisky

About

Ontake is the debut single malt from Nishi Shuzo, a Kagoshima shochu maker with 180 years of distilling heritage. Matured exclusively in hand selected Solera Oloroso sherry casks from Spain, it delivers a rich, fruity profile that belies its young age. The distillery overlooks Sakurajima and sources water from a pristine underground spring.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Rich and fragrant with dried apricots, caramelized apples, stewed prunes, and a sweet fruity character from the sherry casks.

Palate

Smooth and silky mouthfeel. Rich harmony of dried fruit, oak vanilla, and fruitcake. Full bodied with depth that builds gradually.

Finish

Gentle warmth with a smooth, long lasting finish. Pleasant alcoholic sensation that fades into lingering dried fruit sweetness.

What People Are Saying

Nomunication describes Ontake as "perhaps Japan's most exclusive whisky distillery," noting most production goes to private cask owners. The distillery sits on a former golf resort with stunning views of Sakurajima. First public release was limited to a handful of bottles.

Official tasting notes highlight a clean, sherried profile: baked apples, apricots, vanilla, fruitcake. The distillery uses only Solera Oloroso sherry casks sourced directly from Andalusia, Spain. 14,300 yen retail in Japan (approx $95 USD).

Community opinions collected from public forums and review sites. These are not our own ratings.

How to Enjoy

Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up the sherry cask character. Also works beautifully on the rocks.