Fukano Blonde Japanese Whisky – 84.6 Proof (42.3% ABV) | 700ml

Fukano Blonde Japanese Whisky is a highly limited release from Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Japan. Created to highlight the elegant side of Fukano's distinctive rice-based spirit, this limited expression is a vatting of two large casks, with each cask contributing a different element to the final whisky. The result is an expressive and delicate profile featuring Asian pear, lychee, mild vanilla, and toasted cinnamon bread, followed by a remarkably creamy texture.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Japanese Rice Whisky

Brand: Fukano

Distillery: Fukano Distillery

Origin: Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Japan

Base Ingredient: Rice

Release: Limited Edition

Production: Vatting of Two Large Casks

Bottle Production: 1,040 Bottles

Alcohol Content: 42.3% ABV (84.6 Proof)

Bottle Size: 700ml

Process & Production

Fukano Blonde comes from Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, on the island of Kyushu. Fukano produces its distinctive spirit from rice and uses post-distillation wood maturation as an important part of its whisky-making approach.

For this limited Blonde release, two large casks were brought together through vatting. According to Fukano, each cask contributed an element that was missing when tasted separately, and combining them created what the distillery describes as its most unique Fukano release.

The goal of the Blonde expression is elegance rather than heavy oak influence, allowing the character of the spirit to remain at the center of the experience.

Appearance

Light golden in color with a delicate appearance.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Asian pear, lychee, mild vanilla, toasted cinnamon bread, lemon, lime, star fruit, Bartlett pear, dragonfruit, and gentle spice.

Palate: Fresh and clean with icing sugar, lemon mousse, kiwi, lime, honeydew, and pear, followed by light vanilla, pineapple, and candied orange.

Finish: Creamy and mouth-coating, with lingering citrus, lemon peel, vanilla, and delicate fruit notes.

What Makes It Special

Fukano Blonde is an especially limited expression, with only 1,040 bottles produced. Rather than emphasizing heavy oak, the release was designed to showcase the elegance and character of Fukano's spirit.

The whisky is created from a vatting of two large casks, with each cask bringing a different component to the final blend. This approach gives Blonde a distinctive balance of delicate fruit, citrus, vanilla, spice, and creamy texture.

How to Enjoy

Neat: Serve in a whisky glass to appreciate the delicate fruit, citrus, vanilla, and cinnamon notes.

With a Few Drops of Water: A small amount of water can open the lighter fruit and floral characteristics.

With Food: Fukano recommends pairing Blonde with very mild white fish and vegetables, allowing its delicate profile to complement rather than overpower the food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of whisky is Fukano Blonde?
Fukano Blonde is a limited rice-based whisky from Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Japan.

Where is Fukano Blonde made?
It is distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan at Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto. Fukano notes that its exported whisky is not classified by the distillery as “Japanese Whisky,” despite being produced in Japan.

How many bottles of Fukano Blonde were produced?
This limited release consists of only 1,040 bottles.

What makes Fukano Blonde different?
The expression is a vatting of two large casks. Each cask contributed a different element to the final whisky, creating a distinctive balance and an especially elegant profile.

What are the tasting notes?
The whisky features Asian pear, lychee, mild vanilla, toasted cinnamon bread, citrus, kiwi, honeydew, pineapple, candied orange, and a creamy mouthfeel.

What is the alcohol content?
This listing is bottled at 42.3% ABV, or 84.6 proof.

What is the bottle size?
Fukano Blonde is presented in a 700ml bottle.

Brand Story

Fukano Distillery was founded in 1823 in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Japan's southern island of Kyushu. The distillery is surrounded by mountains and is known for its pure water and natural surroundings.

Fukano was the first distillery in the Kumamoto region to mature shochu in barrels, a practice spearheaded by Chizuru Fukano. The distillery's approach of aging its rice-based spirit in wood became an important part of the character associated with Fukano. Today, the distillery remains family operated, with Shigeruriku Fukano representing the fifth generation of the Fukano family to run the distillery.

Fukano Blonde Limited Edition

Fukano Blonde represents a particularly limited chapter in the distillery's history. By combining two large casks and emphasizing elegance over heavy oak influence, the release showcases a softer and more delicate side of Fukano.

With only 1,040 bottles produced and a profile built around Asian pear, lychee, citrus, vanilla, toasted cinnamon bread, and a creamy texture, Fukano Blonde offers a distinctive expression of Fukano's rice-and-oak style.