{"title":"Sakurao","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"sakurao-single-malt-japanese-whisky-3-year","title":"Sakurao Single Malt Japanese Whisky 3 Year","description":"\u003cp\u003eSakurao Single Malt Japanese Whisky is a three-year-aged Japanese whisky crafted at Sakurao Distillery in Hiroshima, bottled at 43% ABV and matured in a quartet of carefully selected casks. The morning mist rolls off the Seto Inland Sea, carrying salt air through the distillery windows where this coastal single malt takes its first breath, embodying the unique terroir of Japan's historic whisky-making region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFounded in 1918 on the shores of Hiroshima Bay, Sakurao Distillery has weathered a century of change while maintaining its commitment to Japanese craftsmanship. The distillery's location along the Seto Inland Sea provides a maritime climate that influences every drop, while their innovative four-cask maturation program—bourbon barrels, new oak, sherry casks, and prized mizunara oak—creates layers of complexity that honor both Japanese tradition and global whisky heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sea breeze minerality, honeyed pear, vanilla bean, subtle spice from mizunara oak, dried cherry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coastal salinity, orchard fruits, caramel sweetness, gentle oak tannins, hint of sandalwood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium length with lingering sea salt, sweet oak, and delicate Japanese incense\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpirit Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle Malt Japanese Whisky\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eABV\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e43% (86 Proof)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVolume\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e700ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAge Statement\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 Years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistillery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSakurao Distillery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRegion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHiroshima, Japan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarrel Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBourbon, New Oak, Sherry, Mizunara Casks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvening Contemplation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sipped neat while watching the sunset over water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Cuisine Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Complements sashimi and grilled seafood beautifully\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhisky Education:\u003c\/strong\u003e Introduction to Japanese whisky craftsmanship and mizunara influence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoastal Moments:\u003c\/strong\u003e Any time you want to taste the sea breeze in your glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does Sakurao Single Malt Japanese Whisky taste like?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSakurao offers a distinctive coastal character with sea salt minerality, honeyed fruits, and gentle oak sweetness. The four-cask maturation creates complexity with vanilla from bourbon barrels, rich fruit from sherry casks, and the signature spice of Japanese mizunara oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Sakurao good for cocktails or better neat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Sakurao shines when sipped neat to appreciate its coastal terroir and four-cask complexity, it also works beautifully in highballs with soda water, a classic Japanese serve that highlights the whisky's maritime character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow should I drink Sakurao Japanese Whisky?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, or with a single ice cube to open up the aromatics. For a Japanese-style serve, try it as a highball with premium soda water and a twist of lemon peel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat makes mizunara oak special in Japanese whisky?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMizunara is a rare Japanese oak that imparts unique sandalwood and incense notes impossible to achieve with American or European oak. It's notoriously difficult to work with but creates the distinctive spice and aromatic complexity that defines premium Japanese whisky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Sakurao worth the price for a 3-year Japanese whisky?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its relatively young age, Sakurao's four-cask maturation and coastal aging environment accelerate complexity development. The unique maritime influence and mizunara oak maturation deliver sophistication that punches above its age statement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sakurao","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43387566882890,"sku":"SSMJW3Y","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/6095\/7258\/files\/front_27abe11c-8081-447d-9ad8-34689e50d494.jpg?v=1773072954"},{"product_id":"sakurao-sherry-cask-single-malt-japanese-whisky-3-year","title":"Sakurao Sherry Cask Single Malt Japanese Whisky 3 Year","description":"\u003cp\u003eSakurao Sherry Cask Single Malt Japanese Whisky is a 3-year-old single malt whisky bottled at 50% ABV, showcasing the maritime influence of Hiroshima's coastal climate through careful sherry cask maturation. This Stillmans Selection Edition represents the craftsmanship of Japan's rising whisky regions beyond the traditional powerhouses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNestled in Sakurao, Hatsukaichi, along Hiroshima's scenic coastline, Sakurao Distillery draws from over a century of brewing heritage dating back to 1918. The distillery's proximity to the Seto Inland Sea creates a unique aging environment where sea breezes and seasonal humidity cycles work in harmony with carefully selected sherry casks, accelerating the whisky's development and imparting distinctive coastal character that sets it apart from mountain distilleries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honeyed dried fruits, toasted almonds, gentle sea salt, warm cinnamon bark, hints of orange marmalade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich sherry sweetness, dark chocolate, candied ginger, coastal minerality, vanilla oak spices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium length with lingering dried fruit compote, black pepper, and a whisper of ocean breeze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpirit Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle Malt Japanese Whisky\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eABV\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50.0% (100 proof)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVolume\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e700mL\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAge Statement\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 Years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistillery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSakurao Distillery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRegion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHiroshima, Japan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarrel Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSherry Cask\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEdition\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStillmans Selection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvening contemplation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sipped neat while watching the sunset, letting the coastal influences transport you to Hiroshima's serene coastline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhisky exploration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Discovering the emerging craft of Japanese single malts beyond the famous names\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntimate gatherings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sharing with fellow whisky enthusiasts who appreciate unique expressions and regional character\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal sipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perfect for autumn evenings when the sherry cask warmth complements crisp air\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does Sakurao Sherry Cask Japanese Whisky taste like?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis whisky offers a harmonious blend of sherry sweetness and coastal minerality, with rich dried fruits, dark chocolate, and warm spices balanced by subtle sea salt notes. The 50% ABV delivers full flavor intensity while remaining approachable, showcasing how Hiroshima's maritime climate enhances sherry cask maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Sakurao good for cocktails or should I drink it neat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile excellent neat or with a splash of water to open up the coastal and sherry influences, this whisky also elevates classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. The higher proof and sherry cask character provide enough structure to stand up to mixers while adding unique Japanese coastal complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does Sakurao compare to other Japanese whiskies?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike mountain distilleries like Hakushu or Yamazaki, Sakurao benefits from coastal aging that imparts subtle maritime character alongside traditional sherry cask influence. At 3 years and 50% ABV, it offers excellent value for exploring Japanese single malt craftsmanship from an emerging region with over a century of distilling heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat makes Sakurao Distillery special?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFounded in 1918, Sakurao Distillery combines century-old brewing expertise with modern whisky-making techniques in Hiroshima's unique coastal environment. The proximity to the Seto Inland Sea creates distinctive aging conditions where sea breezes and humidity cycles influence maturation, producing whiskies with subtle maritime character rarely found in other Japanese expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this whisky worth trying for someone new to Japanese whisky?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely - this expression offers an excellent introduction to Japanese single malt character without the premium pricing of more famous distilleries. The sherry cask influence provides familiar sweetness and fruit notes, while the coastal character and craftsmanship showcase what makes Japanese whisky distinctive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sakurao","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43387567308874,"sku":"SSCSMJW3Y","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/6095\/7258\/files\/front_5bba3e5c-c211-4c28-9a2c-9e7503ff55eb.jpg?v=1773073077"}],"url":"https:\/\/theoldrickhouse.com\/collections\/sakurao.oembed","provider":"The Old Rickhouse","version":"1.0","type":"link"}