Shizuoka United "S" First Edition

The Shizuoka United "S" First Edition is a remarkable whisky from the young and ambitious Shizuoka Distillery, located in a picturesque region of Japan. This expression marks a milestone in the distillery's history and combines their innovative approach with traditional methods. For this release, Shizuoka's own distillates have been carefully blended with selected components, resulting in a whisky with depth and balance. The "S" in the name represents Shizuoka, and this first edition is a true tribute to the art of Japanese whisky-making.

Tasting note

Nose

Fresh and vibrant aromas of green apple, pear, and citrus fruits, complemented by subtle notes of malt, vanilla, and a hint of fresh mint. Delicate wood influences and a touch of white pepper add complexity and intrigue.

Taste

Elegant and layered, with flavors of honey, ripe peach, peat, and a gentle citrus acidity. Light spicy accents like ginger and cinnamon are beautifully balanced by a creamy touch of vanilla and caramel.

Finish

Medium-length and refined, with lingering notes of light oak spice, honey, and a hint of lemon zest. A fresh and harmonious finish that invites another sip.

Extra information

The Shizuoka United S First Edition is a limited edition distillery bottling. The grain used is a combination between Japanese barley and European barley with a small proportion dried over peat fires. Two types of stills were used for this distillate. The former Karuizawa boiler and the unique wood-fired boiler.

What others say

Ruben Luyten rates this whisky on his blog WhiskyNotes.be with 85/100 points.

Read his findings here.

Shizuoka Distillery

Shizuoka Distillery is located at the foot of iconic Mount Fuji in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. Founded in 2016 by Gaia Flow Co, the distillery has quickly attracted attention in the whisky world for its innovative approaches and high quality standards.

A unique feature of Shizuoka Distillery is its use of both new and historic distillation equipment. When it was founded, they bought stills from the closed Karuizawa Distillery, preserving a piece of Japanese whisky history. They also use modern pot stills, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary craftsmanship.

Shizuoka whiskies are produced with locally grown barley and pure mountain water, contributing to their refined and complex flavour profiles. The whiskies are matured in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon, sherry and Japanese Mizunara oak casks, ensuring deep and rich flavours.

The combination of a beautiful location, innovative techniques and a strong commitment to quality makes Shizuoka Distillery an acclaimed name in the world of Japanese whisky.