{"title":"Kikori","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"kikori-japanese-whiskey-750ml","title":"Kikori Japanese Whiskey 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKikori Japanese Whiskey 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% rice whiskey distilled in Kumamoto, Japan, and bottled at 41% ABV (82 proof). One of the first all-rice Japanese whiskeys introduced to the American market, it earned a Gold Medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 93 points from The Tasting Panel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 41%  |  Origin: Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan  |  Aged minimum 3 years  |  100% Rice Mashbill\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKikori is distilled from polished, locally grown Japanese rice using a single distillation process in a stainless steel still — a technique more closely aligned with traditional shochu production than conventional grain whiskey distillation. After distillation, the spirit matures for a minimum of three years across three distinct cask types: American oak (comprising roughly 80% of the maturation), French Limousin oak (approximately 10%), and sherry casks. This triple-cask approach, combined with the all-rice base, produces a whiskey markedly lighter and more floral than barley or corn-based counterparts, bridging the gap between shochu tradition and aged whiskey complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet pea flowers and sandalwood open first, followed by fresh-cut grass and a delicate floral lift. A subtle caramel sweetness and hints of tree fruit emerge with time in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is gentle and slightly sweet, with melon and lychee giving way to toasted almonds and orange blossom at mid-palate. Hints of green apple and edamame add a distinctive savory-sweet complexity that sets Kikori apart from grain-based whiskeys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-length and remarkably clean, with lingering notes of vanilla, soft oak, and a faint sherry sweetness. The finish stays light and refreshing without turning heavy or tannic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Kikori\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKikori's delicate, floral character shines when served neat or over a single large ice cube, which gently opens the aromatics without drowning them. A \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Highball\u003c\/strong\u003e is the natural match — the light rice-based body produces a remarkably clean, effervescent drink with club soda and a citrus twist. In a \u003cstrong\u003eWhiskey Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, Kikori's inherent sweetness and floral quality add dimension without overwhelming the lemon and egg white. For something more traditional, a \u003cstrong\u003eMizuwari\u003c\/strong\u003e — diluted with chilled still water in the classic Japanese style — accentuates the melon and green apple notes beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to Japanese whiskey with a gentle, approachable first pour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside a multi-course Japanese dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring rice-based spirits beyond traditional shochu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a diverse Japanese whiskey collection with a unique mashbill\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Kikori taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Kikori presents a delicate, floral profile with dominant notes of melon, lychee, and toasted almonds, supported by subtle green apple and vanilla from its triple-cask aging. It is notably lighter and more refreshing than most grain-based whiskeys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Kikori compare to Fukano whiskey?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both Kikori and Fukano are Japanese rice whiskeys from Kumamoto, but Kikori uses single distillation in a stainless steel still, resulting in a lighter, more floral spirit. Fukano typically employs pot still distillation with longer aging in many expressions, yielding deeper oak and caramel characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Kikori good for cocktails?\u003c\/strong\u003e Kikori's light, clean profile and floral aromatics make it an excellent cocktail base, particularly in highballs and citrus-forward drinks where its rice-based delicacy complements rather than competes with other ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Kikori made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Kikori is distilled in Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan, a region historically celebrated for rice cultivation and shochu production. The rice used in production is locally grown in Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Kikori?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sushi and sashimi complement Kikori's clean rice character; grilled yakitori highlights its toasted almond notes; light salads with citrus dressing echo its green apple and floral qualities; soft cheeses like brie match its creamy texture; and mochi or rice-based desserts create a natural harmony with the rice distillate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Kikori come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Kikori Japanese Whiskey is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Kikori worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Kikori positions as a mid-range Japanese whiskey that distinguishes itself through a unique 100% rice mashbill and triple-cask maturation, offering a flavor experience unlike any barley-based expression. Consistent critical recognition — including a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 90 points from Whisky Advocate — reinforces its standing in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Kikori?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKikori occupies a rare niche in the Japanese whiskey landscape as a 100% rice-based expression aged across three different cask types. Its single distillation in stainless steel preserves the clean, floral essence of the rice grain in a way that pot distillation of barley simply cannot replicate. With a Gold Medal from the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 93 points from The Tasting Panel, and 90 points from Whisky Advocate, the critical consensus confirms what the palate suggests: this is a distinctive and well-executed whiskey that rewards drinkers looking beyond the conventional malt and grain categories.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kikori","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837883412649,"sku":"33876","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Kikori-Japanese-Whiskey__48554.jpg?v=1730498353"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/kikori.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}