Sasanokawa Shuzo’s sake- and shochu-making days dates back all the way to 1765. However, almost 200 years later, they decided to dive into the whisky making market in 1946.
Their quality was able to stand toe to toe with large rivals like Nikka and Suntory in the northeast region of Japan. Most importantly, Sasanokawa Shuzo were also the ones who famously helped Ichiro Akuto (Ichiro’s Malt / Hanyu Distillery) save his whisky stocks and allowing him to build the Ichiro’s Malt brand.
Unlike Shuzo’s Black Label, the Red Label is an unpeated expression, with some of the liquid finished in sherry casks. The result is a balanced, sweet, and fruity dram with toffee notes on the nose and palate.
At the finish are notes of pear, dried fruits and some warm spices.