Experimental Japanese whisky producer Hatozaki brings Sakura and Mizunara editions to the UK

Our love affair with Japanese whisky shows no sign of abating, as experimental producer Hatozaki brings the Fifth and Sixth Editions of its Omakase Collection to the UK – and they’re looking like exceptional value. 

Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery on the shores of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, the Hatozaki Omakase Collection takes its name from the Japanese dining tradition of “I’ll leave it up to you”. The philosophy places trust in the expertise of the maker, in this case giving Master Distiller and Blender Kimio Yonezawa the freedom to explore new approaches to blending, maturation and flavour. 

Rather than following a fixed house style, each release is built around a distinct creative idea, that draws inspiration from both Japanese heritage and international whisky traditions.

Rather than following a fixed house style, each release is built around a distinct creative idea…

Hatozaki experimental Japanese whisky

Master blender Yonezawa says the Hatozaki Omakase Collection provides an opportunity to continue learning through experimentation. The Fifth Edition introduces sakura wood casks to the Hatozaki range, while the Sixth explores the possibilities of incorporating bourbon into the blend for the first time, before an extended mizunara finish. 

“Throughout my journey in whisky I am always learning, and with new knowledge come new opportunities to experiment,” says Yonezawa. “Both of these expressions bring something new to the Hatozaki label, from Sakura wood casks to incorporating bourbon within the blend. It allows us to share our whisky-making philosophy while continuing to learn how whisky matures in our part of Japan.”

Hatozaki Omakase Sixth Edition tasting notes

The Hatozaki Omakase Sixth Edition marks the first time bourbon has been incorporated into a Hatozaki blend – and its influence is distinct. Matured in American oak to foster flavours of coconut, vanilla and toasted spice, the whisky is then finished for three years in mizunara wood. 

Bottled at 42% ABV and limited to 1,884 bottles globally, the Sixth Edition is the rarer of the two new expressions, and we’ve been giving it an early taste. 

It pours a rich gold colour, and the nose offers a familiar bourbon sweetness, with aromas of vanilla, raisins and toasted oak, albeit undercut by an aromatic spice.  

The palate confirms a caramel sweetness, balanced by sandalwood, mizunara pepper, and subtle liquorice notes. The finish is long and dry. 

Hatozaki Omakase Fifth Edition tasting notes

The Hatozaki Omakase Fifth Edition is a five-year-old blended malt finished for a year in sakura cherrywood casks, after initial maturation in new charred oak barrels. 

Inspired by Japan’s celebrated cherry blossom season, the whisky aims to capture the elegance and fleeting beauty associated with sakura. Limited to just 3,480 bottles worldwide and bottled at 46% ABV, the Fifth Edition displays a deep amber colour in the glass.

The nose is said to offer toasted vanilla, dried fruits and delicate floral aromas, complemented by subtle hints of cherry blossom. On the palate expect a silky texture, balancing sweet malt with warming spice and gentle fruit notes, before finishing with lingering floral and spice complexity.

The Hatozaki Omakase Fifth Edition Sakura Cask Finish is priced at £63 (€73 / $85). The Hatozaki Omakase Sixth Edition Mizunara Cask Finish sells for £60 (€68 / $80).