Two new exclusive bottlings have been released by The Whisky Exchange, offering dram-fans a chance to explore contrasting whisky styles from Ireland and Japan – one is a 20-year-old Redbreast, matured in Oloroso sherry casks, the other a single-cask Mars Komagatake, the latest entries in its Sumo Series.
The Redbreast offers mature pot still character, shaped by restrained Oloroso influence and presented at natural strength. The Mars Komagatake delivers the focused fruit and polish that has made Japanese single malt a category of increasing interest.
The Mars Komagatake delivers the focused fruit and polish that have made Japanese single malt a category of ongoing interest…
Matured in third-fill Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at a robust 60% ABV, this single pot still offering promises depth without sacrificing elegance. At 20 years old, and drawn from third-fill casks, the sherry influence is said to be measured rather than overpowering.
On the nose, expect bright orange peel, star fruit and lemon zest, with notes of incense, Turkish delight and fig jam.
On the palate, dark and milk chocolate lead into dense orchard fruit: apples, mango, lime and nectarine, with stewed pear adding softness. Warming spice and fragrant oak move through the centre, joined by cherry jam and raisins. Beneath it all runs a thread of dark chocolate poured over ginger cake.
From Japan’s Central Alps comes the second exclusive, a single-cask release from Mars Komagatake Distillery. Distilled in 2017 and matured for seven years in a bourbon cask, this whisky forms the fifth instalment in the label’s Sumo Series.
Only 168 bottles have been produced. The whisky was aged in Mars’ Yakushima ageing cellar, located on the island of Yakushima off Japan’s southern coast, a maritime environment said to subtly shape maturation.
Bottled at 57% ABV, the profile leans into tropical fruit, vanilla and soft spice.
The Sumo Series itself takes inspiration from Japan’s national sport, with each bottling referencing one of the 82 official kimarite winning techniques. Series #5 highlights Tsuki-dashi, a forceful pushing manoeuvre; the label features a modern illustration printed on traditional Japanese washi paper.
A new spirits house showcasing novel Asian ingredients and distilling traditions has launched with four core expressions spanning vodka, gin, whisky and rum. Founded by entrepreneur Michel Lu, The Orientalist Spirits positions itself as an ‘all-Asian’ portfolio, drawing on ingredients, techniques and flavour profiles sourced from across the continent. Lu, whose background spans fashion, music…
A 56 Year Old single malt whisky from The Glendronach has been unveiled as the distillery’s most mature expression to date, with just 200 bottles created to mark its 200th anniversary. Founded in 1826 in Scotland’s Highlands, The Glendronach has long built its reputation on sherry cask maturation, pairing a weighty spirit style with the…
A rare piece of Japanese whisky history has found a place on the drinks list at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, where a single dram now carries a price tag of £2,300. The Asian-inspired eatery, created by Gordon Ramsay, opened last year in London’s 22 Bishopsgate as a high-rise dining destination blending fine cuisine with…
The Luxe Review 
Two new exclusive bottlings have been released by The Whisky Exchange, offering dram-fans a chance to explore contrasting whisky styles from Ireland and Japan – one is a 20-year-old Redbreast, matured in Oloroso sherry casks, the other a single-cask Mars Komagatake, the latest entries in its Sumo Series.
The Redbreast offers mature pot still character, shaped by restrained Oloroso influence and presented at natural strength. The Mars Komagatake delivers the focused fruit and polish that has made Japanese single malt a category of increasing interest.
Redbreast 20 Year Old Small Batch Oloroso Cask, £275
Matured in third-fill Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at a robust 60% ABV, this single pot still offering promises depth without sacrificing elegance. At 20 years old, and drawn from third-fill casks, the sherry influence is said to be measured rather than overpowering.
On the nose, expect bright orange peel, star fruit and lemon zest, with notes of incense, Turkish delight and fig jam.
On the palate, dark and milk chocolate lead into dense orchard fruit: apples, mango, lime and nectarine, with stewed pear adding softness. Warming spice and fragrant oak move through the centre, joined by cherry jam and raisins. Beneath it all runs a thread of dark chocolate poured over ginger cake.
Mars Komagatake 2017/7 Year Old, Sumo Series #5, £225
From Japan’s Central Alps comes the second exclusive, a single-cask release from Mars Komagatake Distillery. Distilled in 2017 and matured for seven years in a bourbon cask, this whisky forms the fifth instalment in the label’s Sumo Series.
Only 168 bottles have been produced. The whisky was aged in Mars’ Yakushima ageing cellar, located on the island of Yakushima off Japan’s southern coast, a maritime environment said to subtly shape maturation.
Bottled at 57% ABV, the profile leans into tropical fruit, vanilla and soft spice.
The Sumo Series itself takes inspiration from Japan’s national sport, with each bottling referencing one of the 82 official kimarite winning techniques. Series #5 highlights Tsuki-dashi, a forceful pushing manoeuvre; the label features a modern illustration printed on traditional Japanese washi paper.
Redbreast 20 Year Old Small Batch Oloroso Cask is priced at £275. Mars Komagatake 2017/7 Year Old Sumo Series #5 is priced at £225. Both are available exclusively from The Whisky Exchange.
From Shangri-La to London bar, The Orientalist launches ‘slightly premium’ all-Asian spirits range
A new spirits house showcasing novel Asian ingredients and distilling traditions has launched with four core expressions spanning vodka, gin, whisky and rum. Founded by entrepreneur Michel Lu, The Orientalist Spirits positions itself as an ‘all-Asian’ portfolio, drawing on ingredients, techniques and flavour profiles sourced from across the continent. Lu, whose background spans fashion, music…
The Glendronach unveils 56 Year Old ‘Sherry Crescendo’ whisky to mark 200th anniversary
A 56 Year Old single malt whisky from The Glendronach has been unveiled as the distillery’s most mature expression to date, with just 200 bottles created to mark its 200th anniversary. Founded in 1826 in Scotland’s Highlands, The Glendronach has long built its reputation on sherry cask maturation, pairing a weighty spirit style with the…
Rare Shirakawa 1958 single malt now served at Gordon Ramsay Lucky Cat Asian restaurant
A rare piece of Japanese whisky history has found a place on the drinks list at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, where a single dram now carries a price tag of £2,300. The Asian-inspired eatery, created by Gordon Ramsay, opened last year in London’s 22 Bishopsgate as a high-rise dining destination blending fine cuisine with…
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