Suntory Pure Malt Whisky 1991 Furudaru Shiage: The Old-Barrel Finish, Filtered Through Bamboo Charcoal
Suntory Pure Malt Whisky 1991 Furudaru Shiage is a vintage Japanese blended malt whisky from Suntory’s Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, finished in old barrels, filtered through bamboo charcoal, and bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 750ml bottle.
Suntory made it as the follow-up to its famous 1981 Kioke Shikomi, and it takes a different path. Furudaru shiage means “old barrel finish”: the malts finish in aged casks, and the red characters on the label say it was filtered through bamboo charcoal. It’s a pure malt, the old Japanese term for a blend of malts, here a vatting of malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu. It’s discontinued, and it was never widely exported.
Collectors describe a floral, toasty, fruity nose with caramel and wood, a palate of honey, cinnamon, and nuts, and a long, sweet finish of candied, burnt caramel. Yamazaki’s fresh, grassy fragrance comes through, with a little sherry-cask character in the taste. It’s a bottle for a Japanese whisky collector who already has the 1981, a gift for someone born in 1991, and a piece of Suntory’s pure malt era worth opening for the right night. Sip it neat in a tulip glass, with a drop of water if you like.
About the Bottle
- Japanese blended (“pure”) malt whisky; label vintage 1991
- Malts from Suntory’s Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries; old-barrel finished; bamboo-charcoal filtered
- 43% ABV (86 proof); no age statement
- Suntory, Japan; 750ml
Tasting Notes
Nose: Floral, caramel, toast, fruit, and wood.
Palate: Honey, cinnamon, nuts, and sweetness.
Finish: Long, with candied, burnt caramel.
Food Pairings
The honey and caramel pair well with aged Gouda, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts. They also go with grilled chicken, mushrooms, and a cigar.
Serving Suggestions
Sip it neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, with a drop of water. Don’t chill it, and don’t mix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Furudaru Shiage” mean? “Old barrel finish.”
Is it a single malt? No, it’s a blended (“pure”) malt from Yamazaki and Hakushu.
What proof is it? 86 proof (43% ABV).
Is it the same as the 1981 Kioke Shikomi? No, it’s a separate follow-up bottling.
Is it still made? No, it’s discontinued.
What’s the condition of the bottle? See the condition notes on this page.
Explore More
Browse our Whiskey collection or Gifts collection.
The Quality Liquor Store Guarantee
At Quality Liquor Store, we guarantee that every bottle we sell is authentic and carefully packaged to arrive safely at your door. This is a discontinued vintage release, so it is sourced through the secondary market, and each order is carefully inspected and packaged. Shop with confidence knowing your bottle is in good hands.
