Hatozaki Whisky has announce the latest addition to its Omakase Series – Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish.
The new limited-edition expression showcases aging and finishing techniques of Kimio Yonezawa, 4th generation Master Distiller & Blender.
Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery, the Hatozaki Omakase collection was born of Yonezawa’s vision to create elegant and genuine whiskies that reflect the character of his family distillery’s unique terroir and maritime influences. Honoring the age-old Japanese concept of Omakase, known as “chef’s choice” in Japanese dining, the Omakase collection mirrors the idea of trusting the maker’s intuition – allowing for delightful experimentation of flavors and new exploration.
“I am honored to introduce the newest blend in our Omakase Collection to the US market,” said Hatozaki Whisky Master Distiller & Blender Kimio Yonezawa. “I was excited to experiment with the flavors of rye, a popular category with American whisky drinkers, and see how they would respond to native Japanese oak influence. We are thrilled with the final blend and confident it will be a surprising and rewarding choice for the seeker of exciting new whiskies to try.”
In that spirit, Yonezawa presents a new blend consisting of rye whisky, that is aged in new charred oak and then finished in Japanese Mizunara casks, sourced from the Hokkaido and Tohoku forests. This expression will be limited to less than 3,000 bottles, each numbered and sold exclusively in the US market.
Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish is a testament to the seasoned artistry of the Yonezawa family aging tradition, crafted in small batches of no more than 10 casks. The blend, consisting of at least 51% rye, is aged in new charred oak and then finished in traditional Mizunara casks. This dual maturation allows the Mizunara to impart its distinctive character, resulting in notes of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense – a refined encounter with Japanese elegance.
Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish retails for $95.
