Ghost Series No. 23 Unveils a Rare Fusion of Hioki and Kanosuke Whiskies

The Ghost Series has built a reputation for delivering unexpected and carefully curated limited whisky expressions. With release No. 23, Japanese whisky connoisseurs are treated to a remarkable four-bottle set anchored by rare single casks and a first-of-its-kind blend featuring a rare Umeshu cask finish.

Three Single Casks from Hioki: A Deep Dive into Barley, Yeast, and Oak

Hioki Distillery, known for being the birthplace of Komasa Jyozo's whisky-making journey, presents three unique single cask expressions. Each bottle represents a separate distillation year and type of yeast, offering a layered tasting experience.

• Hioki 2017 US White Oak Cask: Distilled with M-1 sake yeast and matured in a US white oak cask, this whisky is rich with pastry cream, floral contrasts and a mildly smoky vanilla undertone.

• Hioki 2018 Quercus Oak Cask: Using the same yeast but matured in native Japanese Mizunara (Quercus), this expression is more earthy and complex, with incense, white pepper and hints of citrus zest.

• Hioki 2020 US White Oak with Kumamoto Yeast: A younger, vibrant whisky fermented with Kumamoto yeast that suggests sharper notes like green apple peel and roasted almonds. There's a rustic edge to it, with some youthful spice and structure.

Each of these whiskies showcases the raw potential of Japanese river water, malted barley, and domestic oak casks, emphasizing the fermentation and barrel character.

Kanosuke Double Distillery Blend: Finished in Umeshu Casks

The fourth bottle, arguably the centerpiece of this release, is a blend of liquids from two different sites of the Kanosuke Distillery—the original facility and the newer Makurazaki plant. Marrying several malt whiskies across vintages and barrel types, the final blend was finished in a cask that once held Umeshu, a traditional Japanese plum liqueur.

This adds a soft, sweet quality to the blend rarely seen in Japanese whisky. The palate carries subtle plum, toffee, and apricot notes over a backbone of dry spices and toasted nuts. The balance between fruity sweetness and coastal salinity speaks to Kanosuke’s refined blending craft.

To learn more about Kanosuke’s innovative methods, see this detailed distillery profile here.

A Whisky Collection for Discerning Palates

Each bottle in Ghost Series No. 23 is cask strength and non-chill filtered, letting the raw character of each whisky shine through. From the earthy spice of aged Japanese oak to the sweet complexity of Umeshu influence, this collection offers a unique blend of innovation and tradition.

This limited-edition set not only reflects the evolving identity of Japanese whisky but also hints at the exciting collaborative future of the country's boutique distilleries.

Common Questions on Ghost Series No. 23

How many bottles are included in Ghost Series No. 23?

This release includes four distinct bottles – three single cask Hioki whiskies and one blended Kanosuke expression.

What makes the Umeshu finish special?

Umeshu is a Japanese plum liqueur made by soaking ume fruits in alcohol and sugar. Finishing whisky in these casks imparts a sweet, fruity depth rare in conventional whisky finishes.

Where are Hioki and Kanosuke distilleries located?

Both distilleries are in Kagoshima Prefecture, southern Japan. Kanosuke operates two distillation sites: the original Kanosuke facility and a newer one in Makurazaki.

Is this a limited release?

Yes, Ghost Series No. 23 is available in very limited quantities and is intended for collectors and enthusiasts.

Are the whiskies cask strength?

Yes, all four whiskies are bottled at cask strength without chill-filtration or added coloring.

For more information on the art of Umeshu, take a look at this informative source on Japanese liqueurs here.