Fukano Select Japanese Whisky – 86 Proof (43% ABV) | 700ml

Fukano Select Japanese Whisky is a limited annual release from Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Japan. Distilled from 100% rice using koji and a combination of malted and unmalted rice, this distinctive whisky is aged in a combination of new and used white oak, ex-red wine, and ex-Manzanilla sherry casks. The result is a richly layered Japanese rice whisky with ripe fruit, cinnamon, confectionary spice, and warm oak character.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Japanese Rice Whisky

Brand: Fukano

Distillery: Fukano Distillery

Origin: Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Japan

Base Ingredient: 100% Rice

Fermentation: Koji Rice

Distillation: Single Distilled

Still Type: Stainless Steel Pot Still

Cask Types: New & Used White Oak, Ex-Red Wine, Ex-Manzanilla Sherry

Age Statement: Non-Age Statement

Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered

Release: Limited Annual Edition

Alcohol Content: 43% ABV (86 Proof)

Bottle Size: 700ml

Process & Production

Fukano Select is produced from 100% rice, including malted rice, unmalted rice, and koji rice. A 21-day parallel fermentation with koji rice develops the foundation of the spirit before it is single distilled in a stainless steel pot still.

After distillation, the spirit is matured in a carefully selected combination of new and used white oak, ex-red wine, and ex-Manzanilla sherry casks. The different cask types contribute layers of fruit, spice, sweetness, and oak to the naturally expressive rice spirit.

Fukano Distillery has a long history of barrel maturation in the Kumamoto region. The distillery's approach to aging its rice-based spirit in wood is central to the character of Fukano whisky.

Appearance

Golden amber with warm oak tones.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Red apple, dried cherry, cola, black fruit, cinnamon, and pepper.

Palate: Strawberry, damson, prune, crabapple, savory balsamic notes, and warm spice, with a creamy and lightly saline character.

Finish: Restrained and lingering, with paprika, concentrated red fruit, and warm oak.

What Makes It Special

Fukano Select is a distinctive expression of Japanese rice whisky, combining traditional koji-based fermentation with a diverse cask maturation program. The use of ex-red wine and ex-Manzanilla sherry casks alongside new and used white oak creates a profile that bridges ripe fruit, baking spice, savory notes, and oak.

The release is produced in limited quantities, with the current edition consisting of just over 4,000 bottles. It was also awarded 97 points and Best in Category – World Whisky at the 2023 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards.

How to Enjoy

Neat: Serve in a whisky glass to explore the layers of fruit, spice, and oak.

With a Few Drops of Water: A small amount of water can help open the aromatic profile and reveal additional fruit and spice notes.

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

After Dinner: Its combination of ripe fruit, spice, savory notes, and oak makes it well suited to sipping after a meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of whisky is Fukano Select?
Fukano Select is a Japanese rice whisky produced from 100% rice.

Where is Fukano Select made?
It is produced by Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.

What is Fukano Select made from?
It is distilled from 100% rice, including malted and unmalted rice with koji.

How is Fukano Select distilled?
The whisky is single distilled in a stainless steel pot still.

What casks are used to age Fukano Select?
It is matured in a combination of new and used white oak, ex-red wine, and ex-Manzanilla sherry casks.

Does Fukano Select have an age statement?
No. Fukano Select is a non-age-statement whisky.

What is the alcohol content?
Fukano Select is bottled at 43% ABV, or 86 proof.

What are the tasting notes?
The whisky offers red apple, dried cherry, cola, black fruit, cinnamon, and pepper on the nose, followed by strawberry, stone fruit, savory balsamic notes, and warm spice on the palate.

Brand Story

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

The Fukano family has a long history in the region, with Shigeruriku Fukano representing the fifth generation of his family to operate the distillery. Fukano was also the first distillery in the Kumamoto region to mature its shochu in barrels, an approach that helped establish the foundation for its distinctive whisky style.

Today, Fukano continues to produce highly limited releases using locally sourced rice, pure water, koji, and carefully selected barrels, with only a small number of casks bottled each year.