Whisky Hanyu - A forgotten legacy of Japanese whisky
The Hanyu distillery was once one of the most important distilleries in Japan before it was closed in 2000. Founded in 1941 in the city of Hanyu (Saitama Prefecture) as a by-product of a sake brewery, it began producing whisky in the 1980s. Although it only existed for a short time, it left behind a legendary legacy that is highly valued by collectors and connoisseurs today.
Hanyu was known for its experimental approach. Unlike major competitors such as Suntory or Nikka, it produced in small batches and favoured unusual barrel maturation. It became particularly famous for its "Card Series" - a limited edition of 54 whiskies, each labelled with a playing card. These bottles, many of which are barely available today, fetch top prices at auction.
The flavour of Hanyu whisky is often strong and complex, with notes of dried fruit, spices and a slight hint of smoke. As the distillery no longer exists, original bottlings are extremely rare. However, thanks to Ichiro Akuto, the grandson of the founder, the spirit of Hanyu lives on: he rescued the last barrels and processed them in his own distillery, Chichibu.
Hanyu epitomises a bygone era of Japanese whisky - artisanal, idiosyncratic and full of character. Although the distillery is no longer in production, its whisky remains a coveted piece of history that has significantly shaped the development of Japanese spirits culture.
Contents: 0.75 Liter (€19,866.67* / 1 Liter)