Sasanokawa Shuzo have been producing Sochu and Sake since 1710, they started whisky production in 1946 at Yamazakura distillery in Koriyama city—the distillery was mothballed in 1998. The Akuto family (who owned Toa Shuzo and was releasing blended malt whisky from their Hanyu distillery vatted with Scotch from Aberlour distillery, and bottled under the Golden Horse brand) sold their Hanyu stock to Sasanokawa in 2000 who stored this whisky in their barrelhouse with their own ageing stock. Ichiro Akuto brought back most of this stock to release as the first Ichiro’s malt – the now infamous card series. 963 named after the postcode in Koriyama city, is a new release from one of Japan’s oldest distilleries, a blend of old Yamazakura and Hanyu whiskies.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Caramel like bitterness with chestnut, woody flavours. Gradually develops into Bourbon oak sweetness of vanilla
Palate: Powerful woodiness and spicy touch. Charred oak and sweetness of brown sugar and chestnut at first. Gradually develops into elegant malt. Woody flavours of charred oak and caramel lingers after the first powerful impression.

A weighty, beautifully structured Japanese whisky drawn from two rare and significant sources: the now-closed Yamazakura and the legendary Hanyu. This one arrives at full strength, but it’s not brash - deep notes of charred oak, roasted chestnut, and dark caramel give way to restrained malt and a warming spice. There’s age and complexity here, but it still holds freshness and shape. Best appreciated neat, with a little time in the glass.