The topic of this article is a blended whiskey called “Koshu Nirasaki Gold.”
1. Koshu Nirasaki Gold
When I purchased this product, my expectations for Japanese whiskey were very high. The stories I had encountered through the media about Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, and the “father of Japanese whiskey,” Masataka Taketsuru’s Nikka Distillery’s Yoichi, were very appealing.
The Koshu Nirasaki Gold I bought was recommended to be consumed as a highball. Just by looking at its rich brown color, it seems fitting that it is named “Gold.” The cap is of a screw type, and the packaging is quite decent.
Produced in the clean natural environment of Nirasaki City in Yamanashi Prefecture, it uses the clear water of Aomine Yatsugatake for careful aging. It is said to be a blend of carefully selected spirits, known for its mild taste.
2. Japanese Whiskey
Until recently, when I thought of Japanese alcohol, beer and sake came to mind, rather than whiskey. Since I like sake, it was also the alcohol I would bring back from trips to Japan, and I would only choose draft beer during my travels.
However, I learned that in the whiskey market, Japan is one of the world’s top five producers (alongside Scotland, Ireland, the USA, and Canada), and recently, the popularity of Japanese whiskey has surged, leading to significant price increases. The well-known “big three” are Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki.
Moreover, recently, distilleries that used to produce sake or soju are now also producing whiskey. A prime example is the Matsui Distillery.
3. Tasting Notes
I tasted Koshu Nirasaki Gold about 3 to 4 months after opening it. Initially, the aroma was not well-defined, and the combination of sweetness and saltiness was not to my liking.
However, after letting it breathe, the aroma developed a slight nutty malt scent with an alcoholic note, and a very subtle hint of vanilla was also detectable.
The flavor is quite straightforward. It has maltiness and sweetness, with a touch of vanilla and saltiness, and a strong spicy note. Surprisingly, it’s not bad. The flavor is not overpowering and has a relatively clean impression. It’s better than when I first tried it.
4. Product Information
Product Name: Koshu Nirasaki Gold
Type of Food: Whiskey
Origin: Japan
Alcohol Content and Volume: 37%, 700ml
Ingredients: 100% whiskey distillate
Manufacturer: SAN FOODS NIRASAKI FACTORY
5. Overall Review
In conclusion, this is a low-priced blended whiskey that is good for highballs. However, if you prefer to drink it neat, it’s better to let it breathe first. Still, rather than drinking it neat, I would recommend it for highballs or if you need something with a bit of fortification.
Eventually, it might be interesting to compare it with other affordable liquors like Bell’s or Langs to see which one fares better.
