Hatozaki Whisky has announced the fourth expression in its Omakase Series, a Small Batch 15 Year Old Mizunara Cask Finish. Limited to fewer than 3,000 numbered bottles, the whisky is the brand’s oldest age statement to date and is available exclusively in the United States for a suggested retail price of $149.99.
The new limited edition is bottled at 46% ABV.
It was developed by Kimio Yonezawa, the fourth-generation master distiller and blender at the Kaikyō Distillery.
The release taps into the high demand for Japanese whiskies in the US, particularly those featuring sought-after Mizunara oak finishes, which are known for imparting unique notes of sandalwood and spice.
The Hatozaki Omakase collection is named for the Japanese dining concept of ‘chef’s choice’, reflecting the blender’s freedom to experiment with flavors.
This expression is a blend of hand-selected malt whiskies that were aged for an initial 12 years in new charred oak barrels.
The spirit then underwent a three-year finishing period in rare Mizunara casks sourced from the Hokkaido forests in Japan.
“I am honored to introduce our oldest age statement whisky yet, the Small Batch 15 Year Old, and the newest edition of our Omakase Collection in the US market,” said Yonezawa. “The Omakase Collection is special as it allows us to show our creativity and innovation capabilities. Omakase is not just a whisky, it’s a quiet promise – to surprise, to delight, and to honor the moment.”
According to the official notes from the brand, the whisky offers flavors of sandalwood, vanilla bean, and caramelized fruit.
The palate also delivers hints of spice and subtle smokiness, balanced with a smooth, long finish.
The Hatozaki Omakase Small Batch 15 Year Old joins the first three bottlings in the series: Mizunara Cask, 8 Year Old Pure Malt, and the Omakase Rye Edition.
Hatozaki Whisky is produced at the Kaikyō Distillery on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea in Japan. The distillery was established by Yonezawa in 2017 to mark the centennial of his family’s distilling heritage, which began in 1917.
The brand’s core portfolio includes Hatozaki Triple Cask, Hatozaki Finest Whisky, and Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky.
In addition to whisky, the Kaikyō Distillery also produces 135°East Japanese Gin and Akashi-Tai Sakes.
