Hiroshima's Sakurao may have been around for close to a century, but its revitalisation has brought it into the new wave of craft whisky distillers coming out of Japan.

With its inaugural debut of its very own single malt, the distillery has begun to develop its two brands Sakurao and Togouchi - one distillery, two ageing locations (Sakurao is more coastal with larger temperature changes, whereas Togouchi is housed in a former railroad tunnel that is consistent and cooler in temperature but also incredibly humid). While the Togouchi brand is not new, with a mix of world whisky blends and now its own Japanese single malt, it seems that Sakurao is intent on giving the Togouchi brand the same attention as it does with Sakurao (which only has its brand focused on its own Japanese single malt).

In 2023, we saw the first distillery released limited edition Sakurao Stillman's Selection, and now in 2024, we can look forward to a Togouchi Stillman's Selection, which has been named the Togouchi Misty Stillman's Selection.

| Read: [Distillery Dive] A New Dawn for Sakurao Distillery

The new expression is named after the natural forest fog that develops in the Togouchi tunnels nestled in the forests of northwestern Hiroshima's mountains. The humidity in Togouchi is said to be tough on barrels, causing the hoops holding the barrel's staves together to rust to the point of breaking.

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: Bright Amber

Aroma: Banana, Orange, Apple, Fresh Grass

Taste: Apple Pie, Cream Puff, Jasmine Tea

Finish: Refreshing With Vanilla And Fruity Sweetness

The new Togouchi Misty Stillman's Selection comes bottled at 48% ABV, aged in ex-Bourbon barrels and is priced at 16,500 Yen (US$106), and will be available from mid-May 2024.