Fuji 12 YO Single Grain

Fuji 12 YO Single Grain, 48 %

Fuji Gotemba Distillery just launched their new core range product, the Fuji 12 YO Single Grain. The official press release from parent company Kirin Holdings (see source) reads:

“Produced at FUJI GOTEMBA DISTILLERY, the new whiskey will launch in the United Kingdom and France from October, followed by the United States and airport duty-free stores in Japan from November. A domestic launch in Japan is planned for 2027 or later. [..] This special Single Grain Japanese Whiskey is crafted from the three distinctive grain whisky styles uniquely produced at FUJI GOTEMBA DISTILLERY. Each component of whisky was carefully selected at its individual peak of maturity, after its distinctive character had fully blossomed.”

⁠The three distinct grain styles produced at Fuji Gotemba Distillery are described by Master Blender Jota Tanaka as follows (very simplified):

• Scotch-style - light: produced using multi-column continuous distillation

• Canadian-style - medium: produced using a kettle distillation system (as introduced by Seagram, joint owner of the distillery when it was started in 1973. Seagram is no longer an owner)

• Bourbon-style - heavy: produced using a beer column and doubler system.

Note that Fuji Gotemba Distillery does not use rye in the production of their grain whisky.

By the way, over the next couple of years we can also expect both a Fuji 12 YO Blended whisky, and a Fuji 12 YO Single Malt.

Nose: Very soft, fruity and appealing. Ripe orchard fruits mingle with warm, mellow notes of dried fruits. Fudge and creamy vanilla add a lovely sweetness. With time, a gentle nuttiness emerges, accompanied by soft notes of milk chocolate. Rich, inviting and beautifully balanced.

Taste: Full bodied. Rich and complex fruitiness that arrives in wave after wave. Ripe orchard fruits and dried fruits take turns in the spotlight, accompanied by deep, luscious sweetness. Fudge and demerara sugar add further richness, while toasted oak provides a nicely balanced counterpoint.

Finish: Medium to long. The waves just keep coming. Very rich and almost creamy in texture, with the fruity sweetness lingering beautifully. White pepper and cinnamon bring a gentle spiciness, before a subtle hint of citrus adds a refreshing twist towards the end.

Comment: A truly refined and inspired single grain.

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas