Gracing Singapore’s shores this June is a unique whisky that you would want to watch out for. Said to be the world’s first premium blended whisky, Umiki Whisky is made using desalinated filtered ocean water. Osaka-based exporter of premium Japanese spirits, Yoshino Spirits, will be kicking off this campaign starting with Singapore. Launches in other parts of Asia are slated to take place from September onwards.
Umiki Whisky is the latest spirit to emerge from the acclaimed whisky-making island nation of Osaka and it pays homage to both the ocean that surrounds it and the long-living pine trees that grace Japan’s coasts through the use of these elements in its production process. Not only is it made using the ocean water which contains many naturally-occurring minerals. But the whisky is also then aged in barrels crafted out of native pine trees; the hallmarks of the areas natural terrain. Billed as the first of its kind in the world, we’re beyond stoked to snatch a bottle for ourselves.
The Name Behind Umiki Whisky
Umiki derives its name from the Japanese name for Ocean, Umi and the word tree, Ki. Together, it translates to “ocean tree”, a tribute created to honour the source and symbol of life by infusing the natural flavours and minerals of the world’s ocean and long-living pine into a single spirit.
Encapsulating the spirit of nature (pun intended), there is more to this Umiki Whisky than its philosophy.
How It’s Made
Umiki is blended using local ocean-side malt whiskies with grain whiskies from different parts of the world; before blending with pure filtered ocean water. The water collected to make this oceanic whisky is sourced from the Pacific Ocean and is desalinated before undergoing production. Once the spirit is distilled, it is allowed to age in barrels crafted out of Japanese pine, making it the first whisky of its kind in the world.
Having only made its debut in early 2020, it should be noted that this brand-new entrant has already wowed many enthusiasts around the world. It even won double gold at ‘China Wine & Spirits Awards 2020’ and a gold medal at ‘World Spirits Award 2020’.
The spirit packs a rounded floral profile and an aroma of sea breeze. It’s exceptionally smooth, soothing on the palate and provides a distinct freshness in the finish. Punching relatively high at 46% ABV, we recommend enjoying in a rocks glass over ice to open the flavours up better.
Yoshino Spirits Co. has plans to launch Umiki Whisky in the global market by midyear, with Singapore being the first stop in Southeast Asia.
More Information:
Yoshino Spirits Co.
All photos are credited to Yoshino Spirits.
Read Uncover Asia’s guide to whisky.
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