New York, NY –  (April 12, 2024) – Hatozaki Whisky is pleased to announce the third and latest addition to its “Omakase” Series – Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish. Now available in the US for a suggested retail price of $95 (750ml), the new limited-edition expression showcases the profound aging and finishing techniques of Kimio Yonezawa, 4^th generation Master Distiller & Blender.

Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, the Hatozaki Omakase collection was born of Yonezawa-san’s vision to create elegant and genuine whiskies that reflect the character of his family distillery’s unique terroir and maritime influences. Honoring the age-old Japanese concept of “Omakase,” known as “chef’s choice” in Japanese dining, the “Omakase” collection mirrors the idea of trusting the maker’s intuition – allowing for delightful experimentation of flavors and new exploration.

“I am honored to introduce the newest blend in our Omakase Collection to the US market,” says Yonezawa-san. “I was excited to experiment with the flavors of rye, a popular category with American whisky drinkers, and see how they would respond to native Japanese oak influence. We are thrilled with the final blend and confident it will be a surprising and rewarding choice for the seeker of exciting new whiskies to try.”

In that spirit, Kimio Yonezawa presents an innovative new blend consisting of rye whisky, that is aged in new charred oak and then finished in Japanese Mizunara casks, the rare Japanese white oak sourced from the Hokkaido and Tohoku forests. This expression will be limited to less than 3,000 bottles, each numbered and soldexclusively in the US market.

Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish is a testament to the seasoned artistry of the Yonezawa family aging tradition, crafted in small batches of no more than 10 casks. The blend, consisting of at least 51% rye, is aged in new charred oak and then finished in traditional Mizunara casks. This dual maturation allows the Mizunara to impart its distinctive character, resulting in notes of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense – a refined encounter with Japanese elegance.

The new product joins Hatozaki’s core range including: Hatozaki Finest Whisky($45.99 ,750ml. bottle, 40% ABV) a blend of premium malt whiskies aged for up to 12 years in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks and native Sakura casks, the Japanese cherry wood; and Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky($65.99, 750ml., 46% ABV), a vatting of 100% malt whiskies aged in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks, and native Mizunara oak barrels, yielding a rich profile of sweet cereals and malty dried fruit, with a light touch of smoke and honey on the finish.

HATOZAKI OMAKASE RYE THIRD EDITION MIZUNARA CASK FINISH, 42% ABV:

Color: Amber

Nose: Immediate rye cereal notes lead, accompanied by fresh oak spice and a hint of menthol. Develops with honeycomb, sawn wood, and tropical fruit. Concludes with yeasty bread and oak.

Mouth: Soft entry with a tickle of fire, mint, and black pepper. Transforms into a robust oaky flavor, soft spice, and a rounded finish. Lingering hints of coconut, orange peel, and cloves.

Style: Harmonious, full-bodied palate with nuanced layers of flavor.

ABOUT HATOZAKI WHISKY

Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea in Japan, Hatozaki is named for the Hatozaki Lighthouse sitting on the bay of coastline near the distillery, built in 1657 – a beacon of welcoming to all who visit and taste Hatozaki. The maritime climate and seaside terroir are ideal conditions for fine whisky maturing. Fourth-generation Master Distiller & Blender Kimio Yonezawa brings blending heritage from a long line of shochu distillers since 1917, and in 2017 he began producing Hatozaki whisky to honor the centennial of his family’s distillery and to carry on the tradition of Japanese distilling to a dynamic, evolving category he is most passionate about. The Hatozaki portfolio includes two permanent expressions, Hatozaki Finest Whisky and Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky, andaline of Limited Edition expressions, including the Hatozaki  “Omakase” whiskies – hand-selected by Yonezawa-san to create unique cask finishes that have included Mizunara, Sakura and other Japanese oak influence. Hatozaki presents a portfolio of whiskies that are elegant, smooth, and easy to enjoy. Hatozaki appeals to everyone in a delightfully welcoming way with a selection of balanced, mellow, and delicate whisky.

ABOUT THE KAIKYŌ DISTILLERY

The Yonezawa family’s experimentation with distilling goes back more than a century and has been a part of their story ever since. Kimio Yonezawa is the fourth generation of this legacy, having taken a keen interest in whisky and embarking on a journey of discovery. He channeled his passion for fine spirits into establishing the Kaikyō distillery and did it all with a single goal in mind: to be instrumental in honoring the past and contributing to the future of Japanese whisky-making. In addition to whisky, the Kaikyō Distillery produces 135°East Japanese Gin and Akashi-Tai Sakes.

ABOUT MARUSSIA BEVERAGES USA

Marussia Beverages USA is a national importer of premium spirits, sake, and wines including brands such as Hatozaki Whiskies, Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs, Torabhaig Scotch Whiskies, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueurs, 135° East Japanese Gin, and Akashi Tai Sakes. Marussia Beverages USA is part of the global group Marussia Beverages, with 14 distribution companies and 16 production sites throughout the world, achieving a turnover of 294 million euros in 2022. In respect for the deep roots of tradition paired with a taste for innovation, Marussia Beverages mission is to create and distribute quality brands that elevate expectations and provide authentic consumer experiences.