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Shaw-Ross Worldwide Importers is bringing a brand new Japanese whisky to U.S. shores: Maen (pronounced “Mi-en”), which implies “excellent circle” in Japanese and is evoked by the calligraphed circle introduced on the label of all three expressions of the product.
Whereas loads of manufacturing particulars will be discovered under, little else is thought in regards to the whiskies, together with the distillery/distilleries wherein they’re made. We’re sharing what we do know within the evaluations of the complete lineup under.
All three are 86 proof and bottled in 700ml screwcapped bottles.
Maen Japanese Blended Whisky – The entry degree product is a mix of 20% malt whisky and 80% grain whiskey, the latter made out of a mash of corn, barley, and rye. The whiskies are double pot distilled and aged between 3 and 5 years in ex-bourbon barrels. Innocuous on the nostril and fairly malty, heavy with doughy cereal grain notes. Only a trace of lemon — let’s say yuzu, even — perks up for those who breathe deep together with an almond observe, however in any other case the whisky’s about as easy because it will get. On the palate, few surprises await, the whisky exhibiting extra toasted, bready grains, touched gently with lemon peel. Mild sesame notes pair properly with the extra current almond components to offer the end a soothing nuttiness — although nothing approaching complexity. If ever a whisky felt designed for a highball, this mix is it. B / $65
Maen Japanese Whisky 8 Years Outdated – A really completely different product than the mix above, it is a blended pure malt whisky (or vatted malt) made out of 100% malted barley, double-distilled, and aged in bourbon barrels for 8 years. Inexperienced and just a little weedy on the nostril, the grain components taking over a extra forceful, mushroomy high quality. Leather-based and burlap notes are distinguished, with ample layers of soy. Significantly extra attention-grabbing on the palate, with a citrus punch that offsets a number of the extra austere savory qualities. Notes of vanilla cream, toasted meringue, almond butter, and only a pinch of spice. For higher or worse, this might move itself off as any younger single malt Scotch, its gentle and energetic end providing notes of nougat and a mild sprinkle of baking spices. B+ / $125
Maen Japanese Whisky 12 Years Outdated – Similar because the above, simply 4 years older. Comparable nostril, once more fairly savory and grainy, these mushroomy notes turning into a bit heavier and beefier. Stronger soy aromas mood any of the extra fruit-forward notes from coming to the fore. On the palate, it’s undoubtedly essentially the most cohesive and complicated whisky of the bunch, layers of toasted nuts and oak offering a chewy base over which extra nuanced fruit notes come into focus: baked apples, mandarins, and ripe banana, all with a toasty underbelly that evokes pie crust. Some candy and nutty marzipan notes emerge on the end, plus a contact of lemon to brighten issues up. As with the 8 12 months outdated, it’s very Scotch-like from begin to end. B+ / $165
Maen Japanese Whisky 12 Years Outdated
$165
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