Japanese RYUKU WHISKY KUJIRA Rice INARI 70 cl by Masahiro distillery

Description

KUJIRA INARI: Japanese Whisky Crafted from Rice

Masahiro Distillery, established in Okinawa in 1883, brings its regional distilling heritage to the KUJIRA Ryukyu Whisky range. KUJIRA INARI stands out for its rice-based composition and its connection with Okinawa’s long-standing traditions of spirit production. Rather than relying on the familiar profile of malted barley, this whisky uses Indica rice and black koji as the foundation of its production.

Black koji plays an important role in the process by helping make the rice starch available for fermentation. The fermented mixture is then double-distilled in traditional pot stills before being matured in oak casks. The warm, humid climate of the Ryukyu Islands affects the maturation process and contributes to the interaction between spirit and wood. For INARI, the master blender selects whiskies from different maturation periods to achieve harmony between the finished aromas and flavours.

Bottled at 46% ABV, KUJIRA INARI is presented in a 700 ml format. The name INARI refers to the Japanese deity associated with rice cultivation, a fitting reference for a whisky whose principal ingredient is rice. No specific age statement is provided on the official product page.

Its tasting profile begins with fresh fruit aromas, particularly apple and pear, alongside tropical fruit and subtle spice. The palate develops notes of delicate oak, fig, nuts and butterscotch. A sweet, extended finish follows, combining fruity and herbal nuances with a woody character. These flavours make the whisky suitable for sipping slowly, allowing the different layers to emerge without being obscured by mixers.

For the best appreciation of its profile, serve KUJIRA INARI neat in a tulip-shaped whisky glass. A small addition of water can be explored if desired. It offers a distinctive way to discover Japanese whisky beyond the best-known regions and grain styles, with a character rooted in the climate and distilling traditions of Okinawa.