Article first published by our partner, Japanese Whisky Dictionary. Visit them here. Find the original article here.
The Gaiaflow Shizuoka Distillery began producing whisky in October 2016. Applications for the 2017 private casks began in December, shortly after operations began.
The first private cask as Shizuoka Distillery, distilled – aged in 2017, is now available for sale as private bottles from various liquor stores from spring 2021 onward.
In March 2022, a Gaia Flow x CLAUDE WHISKY private bottles of the new product were released.
Distilled from non-peat malt in pot stills K and W, aged in EX bourbon barrels for at least 4 years, and bottled at cask strength. The number of bottles sold is 219 bottles.
Shizuoka Distillery uses two first distillation stills, K (a distillation still transferred from Karuizawa Distillery) and W (a wood-fired distillation still), to produce two types of sake with different characteristics.
Each pot still is characterized by its own unique characteristics: the steam-heated K has a fruity aroma and light flavor, while the wood-fired W has a heavier flavor and a longer finish. It is bottled at cask strength.
62.It has a powerful, punchy mouthfeel and a fruity, floral character that opens up in line with its 8° alcohol content.
| Aroma | Strong cemedine. Green apple and other fruits open up. |
| Taste | Slightly oily mouthfeel. Strong alcohol. Green apple sweetness and acidity. Spicy, white pepper-like taste. |
| Aftertaste | Tingling on the tongue. Malty and cool lingering finish is rather short. |
| Product name | Single Malt Shizuoka 4 Years for CLAUDE WHISKY |
|---|---|
| Sake category | Single malt Japanese whisky |
| Ingredients | Non-peated malt |
| Cask Type | Bourbon |
| Distillation Date | November 27, 2017 |
| Bottling Date | March 16, 2022 |
| Number of bottlings | 219 bottles |
| Number of degrees | 62.8% |
| Content Volume | 700ml |
| Price | 16,500 yen (tax included) |
| Producer | Gaiaflow Shizuoka Distillery |
Our first impression was that the high alcohol content was consistent with the enjoyable, robust alcohol taste. It is characterized by a fruity and spicy taste with a sourness that gradually opens up.
It can be enjoyed with soda or on the rocks, but straight or twice up is recommended. Especially when twisting it up, we hope you will find the sweet spot and enjoy it slowly.
Gaia flow Shizuoka Distillery is now accepting applications for cask owners by lottery. Why don’t you dream up your own special bottle and apply for it?
(All Images Courtesy of JPWhisky.net)
For more awesome Japanese Whisky content, go visit:
Get the latest news, recommendations and exclusive offers, poured straight into your inbox! Subscribe here.
Call for Contributors
Want To Make a Good Drink Last Forever?
