Overview: A rare piece of Japanese whisky history has been unearthed and is now being served at Lucky Cat, a high-end Asian restaurant in London’s 22 Bishopsgate. The Shirakawa 1958 single malt whisky, distilled in 1958 and bottled by Takara Shuzo, is one of the earliest vintage whiskies ever released from Japan.
The Full Story
The history of Japanese whisky dates back to the post-war period when many distilleries were established. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that single malt production became a focus for some of these producers. The Shirakawa Distillery in Fukushima Prefecture was one such operation and operated between 1951 and 1969 before closing its doors.
What makes this whisky remarkable is both its provenance and survival. While much of the distillery’s output went into blends produced by Takara Shuzo, a small portion was set aside for aging in cask. These barrels were later transferred to ceramic jars, which provided an unusual environment for maturation.
The spirit lay largely forgotten until 2019 when Tomatin Distillery managing director Stephen Bremner tracked its existence through company archives and inventory. Bottled at 49% ABV by Takara Shuzo, Shirakawa 1958 is understood to be the earliest single vintage Japanese whisky ever released.
Production & Profile
The production process of Shirakawa 1958 involved distillation in a pot still and maturation in cask and ceramic jars. The ceramic containers provided an unusual environment for aging, imparting distinctive aromatic qualities to the spirit. On the nose, the whisky offers resinous notes, dry earth, and dried citrus peel with a waxy undertone.
A splash of water reveals added vibrancy and a hint of exotic incense. The palate is described as expansive and succulent with fragrant grass and emerging fruit layered with spice and dryness. Water introduces a suggestion of ash from an incense burner, alongside lively acidity.
Brand & Industry History
The Shirakawa Distillery was one of Japan’s early adopters of malt whisky production, operating between 1951 and 1969 before closing in 2003. The distillery’s output went largely into blends produced by Takara Shuzo, but a small portion was set aside for aging.
The Japanese whisky industry has experienced significant growth over the past few decades with many producers now focusing on single malt production.
What This Means
The release of Shirakawa 1958 marks an important milestone in the history of Japanese whisky. As one of the earliest vintage whiskies ever released, it offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s early days as a serious player in the world of single malt production.
Consumer Takeaway
The availability of Shirakawa 1958 by the dram at £2,300 per serving provides an opportunity for diners to experience a fragment of Japan’s whisky-making history. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this rare piece of Japanese whisky history is not one to be missed.
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