Masahiro Pure Malt Whisky 12Year Sherry

Masahiro 12‑Year Oloroso Sherry Pure Malt is a beautifully balanced, award-winning expression. It melds tropical dryness with rich, dried fruit sweetness, all underlined by nutty, toasty depth—making it a standout among Japanese pure malts and a compelling introduction to subtropical-aged whisky

Distillery & Background

• Masahiro Shuzo, founded in 1883 in Okinawa, applied its long heritage in awamori fermentation to craft whisky production. Their subtropical climate accelerates barrel aging significantly
• The whisky spends 11+ years in American oak hogsheads (ex-bourbon) and then is finished for 12 months in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks before bottling as a 43% ABV, 700 ml expression

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Ripe citrus, dried apricot, jammy plum, honey, and various nuts
• Palate: Juicy candied fruits with malt syrup, almonds, and toasted bread layers
• Finish: Lingering oak warmth and nutty flavors—hazelnut, walnut, cashew—providing a smooth, rounded conclusion

Awards & Recognition

• Garnered Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2022, Gold at the Drinks & Spirits Business Spring Tasting 2022, Gold at the International Spirits Challenge 2023, and Silver 93 pts at the IWSC 2023

Style & Personality

• A blended pure malt (malted barley only), matured through multi-cask regimes and then richly sherry-finished—dramatic, fruity, and elegant with significant depth.
• The Okinawan climate amplifies its expression, creating pronounced tropical and dried fruit character uncommon in traditional whiskies.