It's well understood that different climates have a huge impact on a whisky's flavour depending on the conditions under which the whisky is aged.

What is lesser understood is what the exact difference in aromas and flavours are. And Shizuoka Distillery is about to find that out!

Unlike its peers, Shizuoka Distillery has notably long excluded the use of exotic casks to age its whiskies, and thus largely sticks to the conventional ex-Bourbon American oak casks, which it does in two sizes - 50 litre mini barrel Octave or standard 180 litre barrel. Whilst it has dabbled in wine, Sherry and even Mizunara casks, these are typically only for select clients of its private cask program and have to be self-initiated by the buyer and must be accepted by the distillery.

Yet where Shizuoka Distillery has placed large emphasis on is uniquely to do with everything regarding the making of its spirit. It's dived deep into understanding the flavour profile differences to do with local versus imported barley and also between its two pot stills, an indirect-fired still salvaged from the legendary Karuizawa Distillery (Pot Still K) and a direct wood-fired still named Pot Still W. The distillery has thus released numerous expressions that isolate these two variables.

Now Shizuoka has launched itself into its third act - exploring the flavour differences stemming from the climate in which the whisky is aged under - this is the Shizuoka Warehouse series.

Beyond Shizuoka's own warehouse, the distillery has also aged its whiskies in a secret warehouse in the cool northern climate, as well as in yet another secret warehouse in the warmer southern climate. 

And thus 3 parcels of whiskies, all made with imported non-peated barley and distilled using Pot Still K, have been aged for 5 years in three different warehouse climates.

A lottery will be held for the 3-Bottle Warehouse series set, which will be sent out to Shizuoka newsletter members. The set will be priced at 34,419 Yen (US$235.88), with the lottery sent out in an official Shizuoka newsletter by 22nd June 2025. 

You can sign up for the official Shizuoka newsletter here.

Shizuoka Warehouse Edition

This is the first non-peated whisky in the series (unlike the previous Pot Still K 100% Imported Barley).

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light and sour aromas of green apples and pears, and honey. Later, spicy aromas of lemon, mint, cinnamon, and ginger.

Taste: Smooth and rich honey with vanilla and malt sweetness. Adding water brings out the fruity flavor more. Slightly spicy.

Finish: The sweetness fades slowly, leaving a gentle, malty aftertaste that lingers for a long time.

Shizuoka Secret Warehouse North Edition

Aged in the cool "northern" climate. Made entirely from raw liquor aged in large puncheon barrels. Finished with a soft, grape-like freshness and malty sweetness.

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma: Mild and gentle grapes. Gradually the scent of lemon and herbs emerges. The simple sweet aroma of cereal.

Taste: A gentle, smooth sweetness and maltiness like maltose. Slightly bitter and sour.

Finish: A gentle malt and oak finish lingers on for a long time.

Shizuoka Secret Warehouse South Edition

Kanpai!

 

88 Bamboo Editorial Team