Enso Japanese Whisky

A blended Whisky mystery from Japan in a lovely bottle.

We LOVE a good mystery. Ensō is a Japanese Whisky, but this is where the mystery deepens. Some of our regional experts and the European importers Sierra Madre GmbH have assured us all that the Whisky is blended in Kiyokawa, just west of Tokyo. The manufacturer is listed as “Kiyokawa Co. Ltd.” whose website suggests that their main business is sewing supplies. However, their corporate filings list Shanhai YK Beverage Co Ltd. And there appears to be a regional association with known Japanese-maker Kensei Whisky. But past that point the expanding veil of corporate fog swallows our research whole.

Driving down through the mystery surrounding this Whisky, we find ourselves at the official company statement, “The exact whereabouts of the distilleries are a well-kept secret.” Evidently it’s a quantum spirit, popping into existence through a sub-atomic entanglement of grain and yeast. What we do know is that Ensō Whisky is a blend of Whiskies distilled in pot stills and aged in American oak casks. The resulting spirits are married in Kiyokawa, Japan, — within Kanagawa Prefecture — where they are allowed to mellow a bit further before being bottled at 40% ABV.

Smartass corner: Ensō translates as “circle/cycle” in Japanese and is often referenced in Zen philosophy.