Kanosuke Artist Edition #004

Description

Kanosuke Artist Edition #004 Bottling Note

Kanosuke Artist Edition #004 is the fourth installment in our limited “Artist Edition” series, which draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese philosophy of Wu Xing (Five Elements). This special series uses the power of art to express the world of whisky through the lens of the five elements rooted in Japanese culture: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

This release, Kanosuke Artist Edition #004, is inspired by Metal (Gon). Kanosuke collaborated with artist Keiko Yuasa, who interpreted the “Metal” element from her unique perspective. Her delicate brushwork and serene worldview are beautifully captured on the label.

Crafted using Kanosuke’s signature trio of pot stills, this edition blends a variety of non-peated malt whiskies. At its core is a lustrous, fruity spirit distilled in Spirits Still 2 (SS2), layered with bourbon cask whisky—triple-distilled, a rarity in Japanese whisky-making—for added depth and dimension.

Furthermore, maturation in Islay casks here in Hioki, Kagoshima, creates a finish reminiscent of the merging sea breezes from both Islay and Hioki. Like unearthing gold hidden deep within the earth, savor the evolving aromas, flavors, and lingering finish.

Kanosuke Artist Edition #004 Tasting Note

Nose: Cut wood, rosehip, strawberry jam, cinnamon, sea breeze

Palate: Peat (iodine), honey, salted candy, lychee, white pepper, sweet spring orange

Finish: Gentle sweetness of orange marmalade, a lingering, moist sea breeze

Overall: Layers of aroma. Lustrous fruitiness embraced by the sea breezes of Hiyoshi and Islay. A sweet and sour aroma like rosehip with lychee on the palate. This whisky is characterized by its moist, dual sea breeze finish.