Now Available in Limited Quantity: K&L Exclusive Single Barrel from Kanosuke

Kanosuke "Ex-Bourbon Barrel Finished" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel #18120 Japanese Single Malt Whiskey (700ml) ($209.99)

The spectacular Kanosuke distillery melds tradition and innovation unlike any other in the world. Based a short drive from the southern city of Kagoshima, the prefecture is the heart of distillation in Japan. The heat and humidity of the southern Island of Kyushu create an environment much more suited for distillation than the long slow fermentations needed for high quality Sake. The famous Kozuru Sochu was created by Kanosuke Komasa and lays claim to being the first barrel aged Sochu in Japan. The distillery baring Komasa-sans name is the vision of his grandson Yoshitsugu Komasa. His distillery is in many ways the completion his grandfather's legacy and therefore is named for the man to begin barrel aging spirits in Japan.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 14, 2025

The Kanosuke Distillery is undoubtedly one of the most exciting single malt producers in the world today. What they've already achieved makes it clear that they’re on a trajectory to become one of the most innovative and sought-after distillers globally. But it wasn’t until I visited the distillery, located at the very southern tip of Kyushu, that I truly appreciated the significance of this producer and how it fits into the broader story of Japanese single malt whisky and beyond.

First, we must acknowledge the visionary family behind Kanosuke, led by their patron, Komasa-san. Their barrel-mellowed Shochu, Kozuru, is ubiquitous in the city of Kagoshima and throughout Japan. The brand’s history and the inspiration for the distillery are intertwined. Kagoshima is a fascinating and unique city, full of warm, welcoming people. The Japanese Kurobuto pigs have put the area on the global map, but it’s clear this is shochu country. Hundreds of small shochu distillers line the coast, and while sake production is more seasonal here due to the hot, humid weather, distillation is king.

So why has it taken so long for the region to develop a proper single malt distillery? The answer seems to be a mix of bureaucratic and political hurdles. However, the creation of Kanosuke marks the foundational moment for what I believe will become the great southern Japanese whisky trail. Kanosuke will always be the first here, and whisky fanatics can’t get enough of it. During our visit to the Chichibu Festival just before arriving in Kagoshima, we saw firsthand the demand for Kanosuke: the line to taste their whisky was out the door and around the block. Bottles of single casks sell out in minutes, often resold by collectors for many times their original price.

So how did this relatively new distillery at the "end of the rails" become so widely regarded as exceptional? The proof is in the whisky itself. It just tastes incredible and checks every box. This is the first of two barrels we’ve purchased from Kanosuke, and it perfectly exemplifies the distillery's hallmark: aging malt in freshly emptied shochu casks. These are still highly active American oak barrels, and the hot, humid climate accelerates maturation in a manner similar to that of Taiwanese distillers (though less aggressively). This particular barrel was also aged in a first-use ex-bourbon barrel, which amplifies the Kanosuke style.

Let’s dive into it! The color is a deep auburn (1.5), an impressive feat without any artificial coloring or wine casks. The nose reveals a beautiful richness of wood, with the sweet caramel character of bourbon, elevated by the unique exotic spices from the shochu barrels. As it opens, the nose also brings fresh roasted coffee, sweet cinnamon candies, candied cherry, and hints of ripe tropical fruit. On the palate, the bourbon character steps aside to allow the dense malt to shine, offering gorgeous exotic spices, citrus oils, quince jam, fresh herbs, dry tobacco leaf, and subtle salted nuts. With a bit of water, the entire experience opens up beautifully, adding complexity and weight to the palate. Now, the citrus oil, bitter barks, and rich herbs mingle with toasted vanilla and dense candied fruit. The palate becomes more supple, while maintaining a light structure with a refreshing lemony note.

This is an incredible crossover spirit for American whisky drinkers eager to explore single malts, while also embodying the true nature of Kanosuke. We’re honored to be among the first stores in the U.S. to offer a barrel of Kanosuke, and we couldn’t be prouder of the cask we’ve selected. Take note—this is the next great Japanese distillery.