{"title":"Ohishi","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"ohishi-distillery-brandy-cask-whisky-750ml","title":"Ohishi Distillery Brandy Cask Whisky 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOhishi Distillery Brandy Cask Whisky 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Japanese rice whisky aged in brandy casks, bottled at 42.2% ABV (84.4 proof). Winner of the 2020 Whisky \u0026amp; Barrel Nite Consumer Choice Award for Japanese Whisky, this expression showcases how brandy cask maturation can transform rice-based spirit into something remarkably fruit-forward and layered.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 42.2%  |  Origin: Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan  |  Style: Brandy Cask Aged Rice Whisky  |  Distillery: Ohishi Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOhishi Distillery operates in Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's southern island of Kyushu, a region known for its rich agricultural heritage and pristine water sources. The whisky is distilled in traditional Japanese stainless steel pot stills from a mashbill containing at least 30% estate-grown gohyakumanishi rice — a distinctive strain whose name translates to \"five million stones\" — blended with locally sourced mochi rice from Kumamoto. What truly distinguishes Ohishi's farming practice is their organic-style cultivation method, which uses koi carp in the rice paddies for natural weed control. After distillation, the spirit is matured in brandy casks, which impart the pronounced fruit character and delicate sweetness that define this particular expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose is light and fragrant, opening with impressions of very dry sherry before revealing nuances of filtered sugar and a thread of anise. There is an aromatic elegance here that signals something quite different from grain-based whiskies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate arrives with deep complexity and an intriguingly fruity core — ripe pear and green apple emerge first, followed by delicate elderflower at mid-palate. As the whisky develops, marzipan surfaces alongside the lightest touch of sweet caramel, with a wispy hint of licorice lingering on the back end.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is notably long, weaving together residual fruit, underlying rice sweetness, and gentle oak. It tapers gracefully, leaving a clean impression that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Ohishi Brandy Cask\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe delicate fruit and floral layers reward neat sipping at room temperature; a few drops of water can further open the elderflower and pear notes without diminishing body. For those exploring cocktails, three serve particularly well: a \u003cstrong\u003eHighball\u003c\/strong\u003e with chilled soda water, where the brandy cask fruit becomes effervescent and refreshing; a \u003cstrong\u003eWhisky Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, in which the pear and marzipan notes play beautifully against fresh citrus; and a \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Cocktail\u003c\/strong\u003e (the classic recipe with orgeat and bitters), where the rice-based sweetness harmonizes naturally with the almond syrup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhisky enthusiasts exploring Japanese rice whisky for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who appreciates craft distilling and unusual grain bills\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping as a lighter alternative to Scotch or bourbon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlind tasting nights where you want to challenge assumptions about whisky\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Ohishi Brandy Cask taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ohishi Brandy Cask delivers a fruit-driven profile dominated by pear, green apple, and elderflower, with secondary notes of marzipan, light caramel, and licorice. The brandy cask aging contributes a gentle sweetness and long fruity finish distinct from barrel-aged grain whiskies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Ohishi Brandy Cask compare to Kikori Rice Whisky?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Japanese rice whiskies, but Ohishi Brandy Cask carries a lighter body, milder sweetness, and less pronounced fruit character than Kikori, making it a more restrained and nuanced option. The brandy cask maturation also gives Ohishi a sherry-like aromatic quality that Kikori's aging profile does not replicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ohishi Brandy Cask good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — the 42.2% ABV provides enough structure without excessive heat, and the complex fruit and floral notes are best appreciated without dilution or mixing. A few drops of water can be added to further coax out the elderflower and pear aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Ohishi Brandy Cask made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ohishi Brandy Cask is produced at the Ohishi Distillery in Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in southwest Japan. The distillery grows its own gohyakumanishi rice on-site using an organic-style method that incorporates koi carp for natural weed control in the paddies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Ohishi Brandy Cask?\u003c\/strong\u003e The fruit-forward and lightly sweet profile pairs well with sashimi or lightly cured fish, where its pear and elderflower notes complement clean flavors; aged cheeses like Comté, which echo its marzipan undertones; fresh stone fruit desserts such as poached pears; tempura vegetables for a textural contrast; and mochi or other rice-based confections that mirror the whisky's grain origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Ohishi Brandy Cask come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is available in the 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ohishi Brandy Cask worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ohishi Brandy Cask sits in the premium tier for Japanese rice whisky, and its estate-grown rice, artisanal production methods, and brandy cask finishing justify its positioning among craft-focused Japanese spirits. For drinkers seeking something genuinely different from mainstream Japanese whisky, it represents strong value within its niche category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Ohishi Brandy Cask?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Ohishi Brandy Cask from the broader Japanese whisky landscape starts in the rice paddies — the distillery's use of estate-grown gohyakumanishi rice cultivated alongside koi carp is a production detail almost no other whisky producer can claim. The brandy cask maturation adds another layer of distinction, pushing the spirit toward a fruit-and-floral profile that sits in rare territory between whisky and eau-de-vie. Its 2020 Consumer Choice Award at the Whisky \u0026amp; Barrel Nite confirms that this unusual approach resonates with drinkers, not just critics. For anyone looking to expand their understanding of what whisky can be when rice replaces barley and brandy casks replace bourbon barrels, this bottle makes a compelling case.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ohishi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837641060521,"sku":"28877","price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Ohishi-Distillery-Brandy-Cask-Whisky__44658.jpg?v=1730489234"},{"product_id":"ohishi-distillery-sherry-cask-whisky-750ml","title":"Ohishi Distillery Sherry Cask Whisky 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOhishi Distillery Sherry Cask Whisky 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a rice-based Japanese whisky aged in sherry casks, bottled at 40.8% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 92 points and an \"Excellent, Highly Recommended\" rating from the Beverage Tasting Institute, this expression stands apart as one of the few whiskies worldwide distilled entirely from rice and finished in European sherry wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40.8%  |  Origin: Kyushu, Japan  |  Style: Sherry Cask Aged Rice Whisky  |  Distillery: Ohishi Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOhishi Distillery sits near the Kuma River on Japan's southern Kyushu island, a region long celebrated for rice-spirit production. The whisky is distilled from a blend of gohyakumanishi rice and mochi rice—roughly 30% estate-grown and 70% sourced from Kumamoto prefecture—using traditional Japanese stainless steel pot stills. What makes the farming genuinely unusual is Ohishi's use of koi carp in the rice paddies to control weeds organically, an old agricultural technique that eliminates the need for herbicides and gives the distillery a raw material unlike any other whisky producer's grain. After distillation, the spirit matures in sherry casks, which layer the naturally soft, round rice distillate with dried-fruit sweetness and tannic structure.\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 Sherry sweetness arrives first, followed by dried dark fruits—fig and raisin—before opening into citrus peel, light ash, and a subtle oak backdrop. A gentle floral quality threads through as the glass warms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is lush and slightly oily, led by golden raisins, dried cherries, and apricot. Mid-palate, vanilla and toasted hazelnut emerge alongside sweet marzipan, while citrus peel and a floral lift keep the richness in check. The texture is notably round, reflecting the rice distillate's naturally soft character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and warm, tapering through cocoa, baking spice, and lingering dark fruit. A faint nuttiness and a whisper of oak tannin anchor the close without turning dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Ohishi Sherry Cask\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeat or with a few drops of water is the ideal way to appreciate the interplay between rice softness and sherry-cask depth; the lower 40.8% ABV means it rarely needs dilution. Three cocktails worth exploring:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Highball\u003c\/strong\u003e — the whisky's dried-fruit sweetness and round body hold up beautifully against cold sparkling water, producing a refreshing long drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e — marzipan and vanilla notes from the sherry cask marry naturally with Demerara syrup and aromatic bitters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhisky Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e — the citrus-peel brightness and oily texture stand up to fresh lemon juice without losing complexity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Japanese-whisky enthusiast who already owns the mainstream labels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dessert or chocolate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a unique rice-whisky category to a home bar collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTasting events comparing grain sources—rice versus barley versus corn\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 Ohishi Sherry Cask taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with dried dark fruits like raisin, cherry, and apricot, layered over vanilla, toasted hazelnut, and sweet marzipan, all carried by a notably round, oily texture from its rice-distillate base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Ohishi Sherry Cask compare to Nikka Coffey Grain?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Japanese grain whiskies, but Ohishi is pot-distilled from rice while Nikka Coffey Grain is column-distilled from corn, resulting in a softer, fruitier profile for Ohishi versus the butterscotch-forward sweetness of the Nikka. Ohishi's sherry-cask maturation also gives it more dried-fruit depth than the predominantly bourbon-barrel-aged Coffey Grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ohishi Sherry Cask good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its 40.8% ABV and naturally soft, oily mouthfeel make it approachable neat, and the sherry-cask influence provides enough complexity to reward slow sipping without needing dilution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Ohishi Sherry Cask made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Ohishi Distillery on Japan's Kyushu island, near the Kuma River in Kumamoto prefecture, a region with a long tradition of rice-spirit distillation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Ohishi Sherry Cask?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and marzipan notes; aged Manchego or Comté echo its nutty undertones; grilled teriyaki-glazed salmon mirrors its sweet-savory balance; dried-fruit and nut charcuterie boards align with the sherry-cask character; and crème brûlée highlights the vanilla and caramel qualities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Ohishi Sherry Cask come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ohishi Sherry Cask worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium Japanese whisky and competes well within its price tier thanks to its unusual rice base, organic farming practices, sherry-cask aging, and multiple 90-plus-point critical ratings, all of which are uncommon at this level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Ohishi Sherry Cask?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew whiskies anywhere are distilled from rice, and fewer still start with grain cultivated using koi carp as a natural weed-control method—a practice that links Ohishi's production to centuries-old Japanese agriculture. Sherry-cask maturation then pushes the spirit into territory most rice-based spirits never reach, adding tannic structure and dark-fruit complexity to what is inherently a delicate, round distillate. With a 92-point BTI rating and a Gold Medal from the 2020 Whiskies of the World Awards, the critical reception backs up the distinctiveness. For anyone building a serious Japanese whisky collection or simply looking for a flavor profile that genuinely diverges from barley-malt convention, Ohishi Sherry Cask earns its place on the shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ohishi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837641093289,"sku":"28876","price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Ohishi-Distillery-Sherry-Cask-Whisky__61443.jpg?v=1730489237"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/ohishi.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}