Nagahama Distillery, located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is the maker of the whisky brand “AMAHAGAN.” Interestingly, if you read AMAHAGAN backwards, it becomes “NAGAHAMA,” reflecting its strong connection to the local community.
Nagahama Distillery released its world blended whisky “AMAHAGAN” in 2018. Shortly after its release, it received numerous awards at whisky competitions, gaining recognition for its sophisticated blending techniques.
In this article, we will introduce the unique production process and the flavors of “AMAHAGAN” whisky.
- Nagahama Distillery, located in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, is known for its flagship product, “AMAHAGAN,” which is simply “NAGAHAMA” spelled backwards in English.
- Built alongside a beer brewery, it features a rare alembic still in Japan. With the motto “One Brew, One Barrel,” the distillery places a strong emphasis on the aging barrels they use.
- They also experiment with unique aging environments, such as abandoned tunnels and old school buildings, leaving us eager to see what kind of whisky they will produce in the future.
- The History of Nagahama Distillery & AMAHAGAN
- Characteristics of AMAHAGAN’s Production Method
- Flavor and Product Line
- Nagahama THE FIRST BATCH
- AMAHAGAN EditionNo.1
- AMAHAGAN EditionNo.2 Red Wine Wood Finish
- AMAHAGAN EditionNo.3 Mizunara Wood Finish
- AMAHAGAN Edition YAMAZAKURA
- AMAHAGAN World Malt Edition Peated
- AMAHAGAN World Malt Edition Mont-Perat
- AMAHAGAN World Malt “Madoromi Bar Maid” Bottle
- AMAHAGAN World Blended EditionNo.3.6 Flower Bouquet
- Summary
The History of Nagahama Distillery & AMAHAGAN
Here, we introduce the journey of Nagahama Distillery from its establishment to the present day, along with the popularity of its main Product List, “AMAHAGAN.”
Establishment of Nagahama Distillery
Nagahama Distillery is located in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, on the northeastern side of Lake Biwa.
In November 2016, Nagahama Distillery opened with the introduction of two small stills. The distillery is located next to a brewery and is rooted in “Nagahama Roman Beer,” which was founded in 1995.
Progress to Date
Two years after the establishment of the distillery, in 2018, the blended malt whiskey “AMAHAGAN” was released, focusing on the important aspect of “blending” in whiskey production in preparation for the release of a single malt.
This “AMAHAGAN” won a gold medal in the World Whiskey Awards 2020, receiving high praise for its quality just four years after the distillery’s establishment.
What is the “World Whiskey Awards”?
The “World Whiskey Awards” is a unique competition, organized by Paragraph Publishing, the publisher of Whiskey Magazine (based in Norwich, UK), that focuses exclusively on whiskey with clear bottling from manufacturers and owners. Since its inception in 2007, the competition has been held annually, consistently using blind tasting for judging.
The judging process is divided into three rounds. In the first round, winners are selected within subcategories that are further divided by age within each category. In the second round, the winners from each age category compete to determine the domestic top award (Country Winner), and in the final round, the ultimate prize, “World’s Best,” is awarded.
Two years after the release of “AMAHAGAN,” the “Single Malt Nagahama” was finally launched in 2020. Due to its strong commitment to single cask and cask strength bottling, production numbers are naturally limited. Combined with the recent popularity of Japanese whisky, it has become a difficult brand to obtain.
Initially, there were only two stills at the distillery, but the number has now increased to three. All of them are pot stills manufactured by the Portuguese company, Hoga.
Current Owner
The owner of Nagahama Distillery is “Nagahama Roman Beer,” established in 1995. There have been no changes in ownership as of now (as of 2022).
Popularity of AMAHAGAN
In addition to the World Whiskey Awards in 2020 mentioned earlier, Nagahama Whiskey has won numerous awards in 2022 as well. This means that all five standard products of “AMAHAGAN” have received awards, establishing it as a highly regarded brand in terms of taste and blending.
In recent years, limited edition releases of “AMAHAGAN” in collaboration with manga and bartenders have emerged, showcasing its continuous momentum.
Characteristics of AMAHAGAN’s Production Method
Commitment to Blending and Bottling
“AMAHAGAN” is a world blended malt whiskey made with 100% malt, expertly blended with Nagahama Distillery’s malt, based on overseas malt whiskeys.
To maximize the malty flavor, it is bottled at an alcohol content of 47%. Additionally, it is bottled using a non-chill filtered method without cooling filtration and non-coloring, demonstrating a commitment to authentic whiskey-making.
Characteristics of the Malt
The Nagahama malt blended into “AMAHAGAN” uses non-peated and light-peated malt. The non-peated type is made from barley for beer, while the light-peated type includes malt from Crisp Malt in Scotland.
The crushing of this malt and the preparation for fermentation are conducted at the on-site brewery.
Distillation Equipment
Nagahama Distillery operates three stills in total: two for the first distillation and one for the second distillation. All of them are made by Portugal’s Hoya Company, modeled after the stills used at the Strathclyde Distillery in Scotland (a relatively new small distillery in Scotland). They are among the few alembic-type stills in Japan, with each having a capacity of 1,000 liters, the smallest size available.
The new make spirit obtained from one mash is 200 liters (approximately one barrel), and the distillery’s motto “one mash, one barrel” embodies the production system using these smallest stills.
Commitment to Casks
“AMAHAGAN” features a unique lineup primarily finished in Mizunara oak casks, red wine casks, and cherry wood casks. It’s a brand that invests significantly in cask quality.
Each type of cask requires considerable effort and cost for processing and sourcing, which contributes to its high appreciation. The influence of the casks used is clearly reflected in the aroma and flavor of each product, resulting in a distinctive finish.
In addition, the distillery conducts aging in a diverse range of casks as test batches, making it an exciting distillery to watch for future releases.
Commitment to Aging Environment
The Nagahama Distillery utilizes a 300-meter-long tunnel, which has become a disused road, and an abandoned elementary school as aging warehouses.
In addition, the distillery experiments with aging in various environments, including Takashima in Lake Biwa and Okinawa.
As the differences in aging conditions garner attention for their impact on the aging process and flavor variations, the diverse aging environments are expected to enhance the repertoire of the original spirits.
Flavor and Product Line
“AMAHAGAN” is categorized as a World Blended Malt Whisky, characterized by its malty flavors derived from barley that offer a sweet profile. Here, we will introduce the lineup of “AMAHAGAN,” where the individuality of various casks shines through its malty taste.
- Nagahama THE FIRST BATCH
- AMAHAGAN EditionNo.1
- AMAHAGAN EditionNo.2 Red Wine Wood Finish
- AMAHAGAN EditionNo.3 Mizunara Wood Finish
- AMAHAGAN Edition YAMAZAKURA
- AMAHAGAN World Malt Edition Peated
- AMAHAGAN World Malt Edition Mont-Perat
- AMAHAGAN ”Madoromi Bar Maid” Bottle – Tsukikawa Yuki
- AMAHAGAN World Blended EditionNo.3.6 Flower Bouquet
Nagahama THE FIRST BATCH
Nagahama THE FIRST BATCH is a single malt whisky released in October 2022.
Several single malt whiskies have been released from the Nagahama Distillery, but until now, they were all single cask (one barrel) bottlings. This Nagahama THE FIRST BATCH is the first single malt whisky from the Nagahama Distillery that blends (vats) multiple original spirits.
It won a silver medal in the single malt category for whiskies aged 12 years and under at the World Whiskies Awards 2023.
先日発表されました World Whisky Award2023 において下記を受賞したことをお知らせいたします。
— 長濱蒸溜所【公式】 (@nagahama_whisky) February 9, 2023
◇シングルモルト12年以下部門
長濱 THE FIRST BATCH
・銀賞受賞
◇シングルカスク部門
長濱シングルモルト ボルドーホワイト#1424
・銀賞受賞 pic.twitter.com/cm4i5s7YDq
In terms of flavor, it is a whisky with a strong taste of malt. You can detect aromas of apple and persimmon. Additionally, there is a bitter finish from the cask, giving it a refined impression.
ポチップAMAHAGAN EditionNo.1
AMAHAGAN Edition No.1 is the first release in the standard Product List.
It won a bronze medal at the World Whiskies Awards.
The whisky features rich malt from Nagahama, enveloped in fruity aromas of orange, complemented by sweet vanilla notes from bourbon casks. On the palate, it offers a rich touch, followed by a vibrant fragrance that lingers in the nasal passages.
Enjoy it slowly on the rocks or refreshingly as a highball; it is a versatile whisky that suits various occasions.
ポチップAMAHAGAN EditionNo.2 Red Wine Wood Finish
This is also part of the standard Product List for AMAHAGAN and won a gold medal at the World Whiskies Awards in 2020.
This item is based on the original composition of Edition No. 1 and has undergone additional maturation in red wine casks.
The aroma evokes fruits like berries and raisins from the red wine barrels, blending seamlessly with the malty flavor of Nagahama malt. The finish is brightened by a hint of orange peel.
Recommended ways to enjoy it are neat or on the rocks, allowing you to savor the delicate fruitiness from the wine cask and its gentle bitter notes.
ポチップAMAHAGAN EditionNo.3 Mizunara Wood Finish
This item from the standard Product List of AMAHAGAN was one of the first to win the highest award (Category Winner) in the “Japanese Blended Malt Non-Age” category at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards.
Based on Edition No. 1, it undergoes additional maturation to highlight the unique aromas and flavors of Japanese oak, commonly known as Mizunara.
The aroma features notes of red apples, roasted malt, and a hint of honey. It has a rich yet refined bouquet. The bitterness from the Mizunara oak combines with a caramel-like sweetness, while the finish reveals hints of chocolate with a cocoa influence.
Recommended ways to enjoy it are half on the rocks or as a highball, allowing you to savor the exquisite balance of sweetness and bitterness.
ポチップAMAHAGAN Edition YAMAZAKURA
The Yamazakura Edition won the highest award (Category Winner) in its category at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards.
Based on Edition No. 1, it undergoes additional maturation in barrels made from Japanese-native “Yamazakura” wood. This AMAHAGAN features a smooth and gentle finish that embodies a hint of Japanese nuance.
It offers sweet aromas and flavors reminiscent of cherry blossoms and sakura mochi. The influence of the wood strongly conveys a sense of Japanese tradition. The characteristic orange aroma of AMAHAGAN and a pleasant tea-like astringency linger in the finish.
Even when enjoyed as a highball, the scent of the sakura barrel remains prominent. It would be delightful to serve it as a highball during cherry blossom season, with sakura petals floating atop. Since sakura barrel-aged whisky is quite rare, be sure to give this one a try!
ポチップAMAHAGAN World Malt Edition Peated
Released in 2021, this new product from AMAHAGAN is the first peated type. It blends malt whiskies from Nagahama Distillery with overseas peated malt and non-peated malt in a balanced manner, with some of the whiskies additionally matured in bourbon barrels.
It won a silver award at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards.
Rich fruits like peach and apple appear at the forefront, transitioning into herbal green notes. This leads to roasted malt and peat smoke. There are hints of iodine and citrus peel, with a sweet finish reminiscent of cotton candy.
Even when enjoyed as a highball, the refreshing citrus and peat smoke can be thoroughly appreciated. A recommended twist is to squeeze a bit of grapefruit peel after mixing it with soda for an added touch.
ポチップAMAHAGAN World Malt Edition Mont-Perat
This is a limited edition of AMAHAGAN released in March 2022.
Château Mont-Perat is one of the “Cinderella wines” from the renowned wine region of Bordeaux, France.
The base whiskies used for the standard Edition No. 1 have been additionally matured for five months in red wine barrels from Château Mont-Perat, which has received acclaim comparable to Grand Cru wines.
It presents aromas reminiscent of raspberries, ripe red apples, and strawberry jam, with a smooth, silky mouthfeel. The signature roasted malt of AMAHAGAN is complemented by notes of freshly baked pound cake, lemon, and soft tannins from black tea that linger on the palate.
Enjoy it straight or twice-up without chilling it too much, as it allows you to appreciate the rich fruit notes and pleasant tannins.
ポチップAMAHAGAN World Malt “Madoromi Bar Maid” Bottle
This is a limited edition bottle in collaboration with illustrator Pao Hayakawa’s first comic, Madokoro-mi Barmaid.
The bottle features female bartenders Hinozaki Hiyoko and Ibuki Kaho, who run the street bar SATELLITE. Shannon Foo will also make an appearance starting March 26, 2024.
The base whisky is crafted to embody her “calm and composed” character, using rich and deep Cabernet Sauvignon red wine barrel-aged whisky. Additionally, a portion of the blend incorporates whisky aged in white wine barrels, creating a twist in flavor with both red and white wine barrels.
Since it’s a limited edition, be sure to give it a try when you visit bars and other establishments!
ポチップ
ポチップポチップAMAHAGAN World Blended EditionNo.3.6 Flower Bouquet
This is AMAHAGAN, meticulously supervised by Kazunori Shizutani, the owner bartender of BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon, who holds the title of “Master of Whisky,” a designation shared by only ten individuals in Japan.
Among the AMAHAGAN selections being introduced, this is the only blended whisky that also incorporates grain whisky.
It lavishly uses a fruity malt base along with aged whiskies: a 30-year-old malt and a 24-year-old grain whisky. Additionally, a 3-year-old malt whisky from Nagahama Distillery adds a malty backbone, while a heavily peated malt distilled in 2013 provides a unique accent.
After about six months of finishing in Mizunara oak barrels, it develops a floral and rich flavor reminiscent of a bouquet enveloped in gentle, oriental aromas.
This whisky is not available in regular liquor stores and is exclusively sold at Mitsukoshi and Isetan, as well as their online shops.
Enjoy the rich flavors of the aged whiskies neat or on the rocks.
Summary
We introduced the standard and limited products of the world-blended whisky “AMAHAGAN” crafted by Nagahama Distillery.
Having received numerous prestigious awards, this whisky showcases exceptional cask selection and the skill of the blender. Each “AMAHAGAN” whisky has a distinct flavor profile, making it highly recommended to compare and taste them side by side.
If you haven’t tried “AMAHAGAN” yet, this is a great opportunity to enjoy it at home or at a bar. They provide the latest information on their Twitter account, so be sure to check there for updates!
Tweets by nagahama_whiskyWe also compile articles on various whiskies, so feel free to explore other brands as well!
