{"product_id":"suntory-pure-malt-whisky-1981-kioke-shikomi","title":"Suntory Pure Malt Whisky 1981 Kioke Shikomi","description":"\u003cdiv role=\"feed\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"article\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eSuntory Pure Malt Whisky 1981 Kioke Shikomi: A Wooden-Vat Japanese Blended Malt from a Vanished Era\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuntory Pure Malt Whisky 1981 Kioke Shikomi\u003c\/strong\u003e is a vintage Japanese blended malt whisky distilled in 1981 from Hakushu and Yamazaki malts, fermented in wooden vats, direct-fire distilled, and bottled in 2005 at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBefore “Japanese whisky” was a category people hunted for, Suntory was making this. \u003cstrong\u003eKioke shikomi\u003c\/strong\u003e means fermented in wooden vats, the same kind used for sake, and the spirit was distilled over a direct flame, an old and unforgiving method. The malt is reported to be mostly from \u003cstrong\u003eHakushu\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Japanese Alps distillery, with \u003cstrong\u003eYamazaki\u003c\/strong\u003e in the vatting, and the label reads \u003cstrong\u003ePure Malt\u003c\/strong\u003e, the term Japan used for a blend of malts before “blended malt” caught on. The whisky was distilled in \u003cstrong\u003e1981\u003c\/strong\u003e and bottled in \u003cstrong\u003e2005\u003c\/strong\u003e, which makes it roughly 24 years old, and it’s been discontinued for years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCollectors describe a whisky of vanilla, honey, nutmeg, hay, and butter, with oak and a little smoke, a malty, spicy palate, and a long finish of honey. It’s richer and heavier than most modern Suntory bottles, and a little sake-like, from the wooden vats. It’s a bottle for a Japanese whisky collector, a milestone gift for someone born in 1981, and a piece of Suntory history that’s worth opening for the right occasion. Sip it \u003cstrong\u003eneat in a tulip glass\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a drop or two of water, and give it time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"5\"\u003eAbout the Bottle\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJapanese blended malt (“pure malt”) whisky; vintage 1981, bottled 2005\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMalts from Suntory’s Hakushu and Yamazaki distilleries; wooden-vat fermented; direct-fire distilled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e43% ABV (86 proof); no age statement (about 24 years)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuntory, Japan; 750ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vanilla, honey, nutmeg, hay, butter, oak, and a little smoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Malty and spicy, with gentle smoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, with honey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe honey and malt pair well with aged Gouda, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts. They also go with grilled eel, mushrooms, and a cigar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eServing Suggestions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSip it neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, with a drop of water. Don’t chill it, and don’t mix it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is “kioke shikomi”?\u003c\/strong\u003e Fermentation in wooden vats, like those used for sake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it a single malt?\u003c\/strong\u003e No, it’s a blended (“pure”) malt from more than one distillery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow old is it?\u003c\/strong\u003e Distilled in 1981 and bottled in 2005, about 24 years; there’s no age statement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat proof is it?\u003c\/strong\u003e 86 proof (43% ABV).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it still made?\u003c\/strong\u003e No, it’s discontinued.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s the condition of the bottle?\u003c\/strong\u003e See the condition notes on this page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eExplore More\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBrowse our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/qualityliquorstore.com\/collections\/whiskey\"\u003eWhiskey collection\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/qualityliquorstore.com\/collections\/gifts\"\u003eGifts collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\"\u003eThe Quality Liquor Store Guarantee\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Suntory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51039795380482,"sku":null,"price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0635\/3289\/2418\/files\/suntory-1981-scotch.jpg?v=1794592971","url":"https:\/\/qualityliquorstore.com\/products\/suntory-pure-malt-whisky-1981-kioke-shikomi","provider":"Quality Liquor Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}