Fukano Chizuru Cask Japanese Whisky – 84.4 Proof (42.2% ABV) | 750ml

Fukano Chizuru Cask Japanese Whisky is a limited small-batch release from Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Japan, created in collaboration with Women Who Whisky to celebrate the career of Chizuru Fukano. This distinctive rice-based whisky was matured in a combination of used oak, Manzanilla Sherry, and red wine casks, creating a rich and balanced expression with layers of fruit, oak, and savory character.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Japanese Rice Whisky

Brand: Fukano

Distillery: Fukano Distillery

Origin: Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Japan

Base Ingredient: Rice

Collaboration: Women Who Whisky

Cask Types: Used Oak, Manzanilla Sherry, and Red Wine Casks

Release: Limited Small-Batch

Production: 3,500 Bottles Worldwide

Alcohol Content: 42.2% ABV (84.4 Proof)

Bottle Size: 750ml

Process & Production

Fukano Chizuru Cask is produced at Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, a distillery with a history dating back to 1823. Fukano's distinctive spirit is made from rice and matured in wood, an approach that has become central to the character of the distillery's whisky.

For this special collaboration, the whisky was matured using a combination of used oak, Manzanilla Sherry, and red wine casks. The different cask types contribute layers of fruit, oak, richness, and savory character to the rice-based spirit.

The release was created in partnership with Women Who Whisky to honor Chizuru Fukano and her career at the family distillery. Only 3,500 bottles were produced worldwide, making this a particularly limited Fukano expression.

Appearance

Golden amber with warm oak tones from its maturation in multiple cask types.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Delicate and refined aromas with subtle fruit, oak, and Sherry influence.

Palate: Rich and exceptionally balanced, with layers of mature oak, fruit, and savory character.

Finish: Lingering and smooth, leaving a lasting impression of oak and fruit.

What Makes It Special

Fukano Chizuru Cask brings together Fukano Distillery and Women Who Whisky for a release honoring Chizuru Fukano, a pioneering figure in the distillery's history.

The combination of used oak, Manzanilla Sherry, and red wine casks gives the whisky a complex maturation profile while allowing the distinctive character of Fukano's rice-based spirit to remain at the center.

With only 3,500 bottles produced worldwide, this collaboration is one of Fukano's more limited releases.

How to Enjoy

Neat: Serve in a whisky glass to explore the layered oak, fruit, and Sherry character.

With a Few Drops of Water: A small amount of water can help open the delicate aromatics and reveal additional layers.

On the Rocks: Serve over a large cube for a chilled, slower-sipping experience.

Cocktails: Despite its complexity, the balanced profile can also work well in refreshing whisky cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Who is Chizuru Fukano?
Chizuru Fukano was an important figure in the history of Fukano Distillery and pioneered the distillery's practice of maturing its spirit in barrels. Fukano's official history credits her with spearheading the use of post-distillation wood aging.

Who did Fukano collaborate with for this release?
Fukano created this special release in collaboration with Women Who Whisky to celebrate Chizuru Fukano's career.

What casks were used?
The whisky was matured in used oak, Manzanilla Sherry, and red wine casks.

How limited is this release?
Only 3,500 bottles were produced worldwide.

What is the alcohol content?
Fukano Chizuru Cask is bottled at 42.2% ABV, or 84.4 proof.

What is the bottle size?
The release is bottled in a 750ml format.

What are the tasting notes?
The whisky has a delicate nose, a rich and balanced palate, and a lingering finish, with its multiple cask types contributing additional depth and complexity.

Brand Story

Fukano Distillery was established in 1823 in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, on the Japanese island of Kyushu. The distillery has remained closely connected to the Fukano family and its tradition of producing rice-based spirits.

Chizuru Fukano, the mother of current distillery president Seiichi Fukano, played an important role in the distillery's evolution. Fukano's official history identifies her as the pioneer behind the practice of maturing the distillery's shochu in barrels, a method that became a defining part of Fukano's rice-and-oak style.

Today, Fukano continues to produce highly limited rice-based whisky expressions, combining its traditional distilling heritage with carefully selected wood maturation.

Fukano & Women Who Whisky Collaboration

The Chizuru Cask was created to celebrate two milestones: Chizuru Fukano's 28 years of service and the 10th anniversary of Women Who Whisky. The collaboration brought together Fukano's family distilling heritage and Women Who Whisky's mission of making whisky more accessible to a broader audience.

The resulting expression was limited to 3,500 bottles worldwide and matured in used oak, Manzanilla Sherry, and red wine casks, giving this commemorative whisky its distinctive combination of richness, balance, and lingering character.