Distillery Profile - Tenjaku Whisky

THE HOME OF Japanese Whisky By Michael Tulipan

TENjAKu sATIsFIEs THE NEEDs OF jAPANEsE WHIsKY FANs

By any measure, Japanese whisky has had a remarkable run in the past decade. In just the last ten years the category has gone from beloved by a few in-the-know bartenders and enthusiasts to critical acclaim, soaring prices, and pronounced shortages. However, as in most industries, unexpected challenges also lead to opportunities for innovation and new ventures. Stepping in to meet the demand is Tenjaku, a masterfully blended yet reasonably priced whisky that serves as the perfect introduction to the world of Japanese whisky making. “After the unprecedented rise in demand for Japanese whisky in the United States over the past few years, prices have been driven sky high as supply continues to falter,” says Craig Kodish, Managing Director, Tenjaku Whisky USA. “Aficionados either get lucky with their search or pay massively inflated rates to get their hands on a bottle. Enter Tenjaku to solve this need.”

Born in a lush, fertile region surrounded by mountain ranges, Tenjaku honors the boundless natural resources of its home Yamanashi prefecture. Most important to the creation of the whisky are the pristine waters that lie below the Misaka Mountains. Also used in the brewing of some Japan’s best sakes, this water has been filtered through volcanic rock, resulting in a smooth, slight alkalinity and moderate mineral content. The water used to distill Tenjaku is drawn from more than 800 feet below the surface of the range, ensuring it remains pure and untouched by the modern world.

Master Distiller Kenji Watanabe oversees a process that starts with a mash bill of 86% corn and 14% barley. The mash undergoes double distillation in a copper pot still and then the spirit rests in ex Kentucky bourbon barrels for several years. After careful tasting sessions, the final blend is composed of 3-, 5- and 6-year-old whiskies and bottled at 40% abv. Tenjaku has a slightly smoky aroma with a well-rounded palate that finishes with a hint of spice. The whisky shows off its versatility as both something to sip as well as in cocktails like a classic Japanese Highball or a variation on the Old Fashioned or Boulevardier.

After its 2020 debut in the United States, acclaim has been building for Tenjaku. The brand garnered 91 points from the Beverage Testing Institute, which also named it 2020’s Best Japanese Blended Whisky. And Distiller.com has hailed the arrival of a new reasonably priced Japanese whisky, calling it “an easily enjoyable blend.”

As 2023 approaches, the company is looking ahead with two new releases in February, Tenjaku Vodka, and a limited edition Tenjaku Whisky Pure Malt Blend of different aged whiskies in sherry casks. Tenjaku Whisky Fizz

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ oz. Tenjaku Whisky 1 tbs lime juice 2 tbs spice cranberry syrup* Club soda (to top) Rosemary sprig (for garnish) Fresh cranberries (for garnish)

PREPARATION

Combine ingredients in a highball glass with ice. Stir gently. *Spice cranberry syrup: boil equal parts sugar, water, and cranberries. For every cup of water, add one cinnamon stick and one rosemary sprig. Sit overnight and strain.