Kura Pure Malt Rum Cask Finish

Apr 9

Kura Pure Malt is one of the more interesting Japanese whiskies out there. Coming from one of - if not the - southernmost distillery in Japan (way down in Okinawa!), Kura brings a different terroir from the Japanese mainland/main islands.

The Helios Distillery - yep, a Greek-god-named distillery in Japan - was founded in 1961 as a rum distillery by Tadashi Matsuda. Sugar cane is Okinawa’s main crop, and Tadashi and his descendants have been making rum there ever since. In fact, they didn’t start producing whisky until 1997, sticking to beer, shochu, and other brown spirits until then.

Kura isn’t limiting its sourcing just to Okinawa, though. To make this very limited production whisky, peat is brought south all the way from Hokkaido to heavily peat the malt, which is then blended with unpeated malt and aged in American Oak (ex-bourbon casks). After a few years, the blend then enters Helios’ own rum casks that held rum for at least 20 years, rounding out the flavors and adding a smoky sweetness.

I found this dram intriguing - I know I use that word a lot, but I mean it when I use it. I like bottles that make me think. Doesn’t mean I necessarily like it or dislike it, just that it’s complex enough to take some time. Over a few sips, the malt travels back and forth between Okinawa and Islay, with slightly funky rum becoming salty with seaweed-driven umami.

I’m betting the aging time in American oak isn’t too long - Okinawa is both hot and humid relative to the main four islands of Japan - so maybe there’s a little disjointedness happening between Scottish-style peat, hotter-climate aging, and a uniquely Japanese-style rum. I do honestly think that given a little more planning, they could have a uniquely great whisky on their hands. Then again, after 24 years, maybe they’ve decided this is their style. More power to them!

Side note: as of 2021, Kura Pure Malt Rum Cask Finish still qualifies as Japanese Whisky as defined recently by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Maker’s Association.

Kura Pure Malt Rum Cask Finish: Specs

Classification: Japanese Blended Whisky

Origin: Tokinosakagura / Helios Distillery

Mashbill: 100% Rice

Proof: 80 (40% ABV)

Age: NAS

Location: Kushu, Okinawa, Japan

Kura Pure Malt Rum Cask Finish Price: $75

Official Website

Kura Pure Malt Rum Cask Finish: Tasting Notes

Eye: Pale yellow. Thin-to-medium rims bleed to medium quick legs.

Nose: Smoky and peaty. Pleasant, not too overpowering, or iodine-heavy. Smouldering embers near a seaside.

Palate: Umami and earthy. Less smoke but plenty of smoulder and maritime influence. Tingly mouthfeel grows more medicinal as it lingers. Rum is nowhere to be seen here.

Finish: Here’s where the rum peeks out, though it’s definitely a long and peaty finish. Smoke and salt stick around for awhile.

Overall: Not my particular style, but it is unique and my first pour from Okinawa. I’d try this again once my palate acclimates to maritime peat a bit more.

Final Rating: 5.5

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)