Hatozaki Japanese Whisky is officially available across the United States, United Kingdom, and France. Launched by Marussia Beverages, the Akashi, Japan-based brand has unveiled two expressions, Hatozaki Pure Malt and Hatozaki Blended.
Master Distiller and Blender Kimio Yonezawa created the new Hatozaki range using mature barrel stocks warehoused at the family distillery in Akashi. Coming in at 46% ABV, Hatozaki pure malt uses single malt whiskies aged in Bourbon, Sherry and mizunara casks for a minimum of five years. Hatozaki Blended is a mix of barrel-aged artisanal unpeated whiskies; the distillery team says it is light in style with delicate sweetness and a rich malty backbone.
“I wanted to make a whisky that honoured Scotland’s finest but also embodied our own unique Japanese influence and flavours,” explained Yonezawa. “It had to reflect the mild, maritime climate of my home town of Akashi which I considered an excellent factor in aging whisky, the design of our pot stills and the great team we have here at the Kaikyo Distillery, where my family has been distilling since 1917.”
Yonezawa named the range after Akashi’s ancient lighthouse, which is featured on the bottles. Built in 1657, it is the oldest structure of its type in Japan.
“I wanted to make a whisky that embodies not only the warm, hospitable nature of Japanese people, but also Japan’s mild maritime climate,” said Yonezawa. “Being an island, the ocean is very important to the Japanese; we even have our own Ocean Day to express gratitude for the blessings of the sea and wish prosperity for the oceanic country of Japan. So, the Hatozaki lighthouse, near our family’s distillery, is the perfect symbol for our new artisan whiskies.”
Hatozaki Blended Japanese Whisky will be on sale for £34 ($45 USD), while the Pure Malt retail for £46 ($60 USD).
Sarah Gandy, head of marketing for Marussia Beverages, said: “Hatozaki whisky is the latest addition to Marussia Beverages’ growing portfolio of Japanese spirits brands, along with our recently launched 135°EAST ‘Hydro Dry Gin’ and our popular range of Akashi-Tai artisan sake. We’re excited about the launch.”
Last month, Marussia began distributing his 135°EAST gin in seven international markets: the UK, the US, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ukraine and Russia.
