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

Fukano Sherry Cask Japanese Whisky is a limited-release rice whisky from Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Japan. Distilled from 100% rice using malted, unmalted, and koji rice, this distinctive expression is aged in ex-Sherry casks that bring rich fruit, savory umami, spice, and oak character to Fukano's naturally expressive rice-based spirit. Bottled at 42.3% ABV, this commemorative release was created to celebrate Fukano Distillery's 200th anniversary.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Japanese Rice Whisky

Brand: Fukano

Distillery: Fukano Distillery

Origin: Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Japan

Base Ingredient: 100% Rice

Rice: Malted, Unmalted, and Koji Rice

Fermentation: 21-Day Parallel Fermentation with Koji Rice

Distillation: Single Distilled

Still Type: Stainless Steel Pot Still

Cask: Ex-Sherry Casks

Age Statement: Non-Age Statement

Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered

Release: Limited 200th Anniversary Edition

Production: 2,324 Bottles

Alcohol Content: 42.3% ABV (84.6 Proof)

Bottle Size: 700ml

Process & Production

Fukano Sherry Cask Whisky begins with 100% rice, using a combination of malted rice, unmalted rice, and koji rice. A 21-day parallel fermentation with koji develops the foundation of the spirit before it is single distilled in a stainless steel pot still.

Following distillation, the whisky is matured entirely in ex-Sherry casks. The Sherry cask maturation gives the rice-based spirit additional depth, bringing forward dark fruit, savory, nutty, and earthy characteristics while adding layers of oak and spice.

The whisky is non-chill filtered and bottled at 42.3% ABV. This limited release was produced as a special commemorative bottling celebrating 200 years of Fukano Distillery.

Appearance

Rich amber with deep golden and copper-toned highlights from its time in Sherry casks.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Mushroom, sea salt, blackberry fruit leather, and savory Sherry influence.

Palate: Berry compote, pear, ripe nectarine, strawberry, dark grape, and rich Sherry character, with additional notes of dry leather and umami.

Finish: Long and complex, with white pepper, balsamic notes, leather, oak, and lingering dark fruit.

What Makes It Special

Fukano Sherry Cask stands out for its combination of traditional Japanese rice-based distillation and full maturation in ex-Sherry casks. Rather than being made from traditional barley malt, Fukano's whisky is produced from 100% rice with koji, creating a distinctive spirit that takes on a particularly expressive character during barrel aging.

This special release was created for Fukano Distillery's 200th anniversary and was limited to just 2,324 bottles. The release includes whisky matured in Sherry casks, with Oloroso and Manzanilla cask influence contributing different dimensions of sweetness, nuttiness, savory character, and depth.

How to Enjoy

Neat: Pour into a whisky glass and allow it to rest briefly before tasting to explore the Sherry, fruit, and savory notes.

With a Few Drops of Water: A small amount of water can open the aromas and reveal additional layers of fruit and spice.

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

With Food: The rich, savory profile pairs particularly well with dishes such as oily fish, chicken, and red meats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of whisky is Fukano Sherry Cask?
It is a limited-release rice whisky produced by Fukano Distillery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Japan.

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

How is the whisky fermented?
The production uses a 21-day parallel fermentation process with koji rice.

How is Fukano Sherry Cask distilled?
It is single distilled in a stainless steel pot still.

What type of casks are used?
The whisky is matured in ex-Sherry casks, including Oloroso and Manzanilla Sherry cask influence for this commemorative release.

Does Fukano Sherry Cask have an age statement?
No. It is a non-age-statement whisky.

What is the alcohol content?
Fukano Sherry Cask is bottled at 42.3% ABV, or 84.6 proof.

How many bottles were produced?
The 200th Anniversary release was limited to 2,324 bottles.

What are the tasting notes?
The whisky shows mushroom, sea salt, blackberry fruit leather, berry compote, pear, dry leather, white pepper, dark fruit, and savory Sherry character.

Brand Story

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

The Fukano family has operated the distillery for generations, with Shigeruriku Fukano representing the fifth generation of his family to run the distillery. Fukano's whisky is made using malted and unmalted rice and is produced in a pot still, with very limited quantities and only a small number of casks bottled each year.

Fukano's distinctive approach combines locally grown rice, pure water, koji, and carefully selected barrels to create a style of whisky that reflects both its Japanese origins and the influence of its maturation casks.

200th Anniversary Release

The Fukano Sherry Cask release commemorates two centuries of Fukano Distillery history. The limited bottling showcases the distillery's rice-based spirit after maturation in Sherry casks, emphasizing the interaction between the distillate and the rich character of Sherry-seasoned oak.

With only 2,324 bottles produced, this release represents a particularly limited chapter in Fukano's history and highlights the distillery's distinctive approach to rice whisky.