Volume：700ml
ABV：45%

Not long ago, Mr. Kazuto Honbo, the president of Hombo Shuzo—the parent company of “Komagatake”—visited Hong Kong and hosted a dinner. During the evening, he mentioned that releasing Komagatake Single Malt was one of the most meaningful achievements of his career. At first, it might sound surprising—how could a non-limited, regular-line whisky be considered an “achievement”?

Think a little deeper, and it makes complete sense. Keeping the flavor profile of a regular-release whisky consistent over the years is an enormous challenge. Every cask has its own character, and blending different vintages into the same flavor requires not only the skill of the master blender, but also the distillery’s expertise in cask management. A regular release sits on shelves year after year, representing the distillery’s core identity. If its flavor isn’t accepted, the brand’s reputation would suffer.

Komagatake’s own journey is a perfect example of how difficult it is. Since 2018, the distillery has released an annual Limited Edition, experimenting with maturation techniques and different profiles year after year. After seven years of refining, they finally unified the characteristics of bourbon, sherry, port, and wine casks—resulting in this new flagship that truly brings everything together.

Let’s open the bottle. The aroma is inviting: honeyed ripe persimmon leads, followed by honey, gentle black tea, and soft wood tones—sweet but never cloying, light and elegant. Medium-bodied on the palate, the fruit sweetness of apple and honey feels rounded and smooth, refined yet not heavy. The finish shows oak with an elegant dark-chocolate bitterness, long, delicate, and warm.

Overall, this whisky embodies classic Japanese fruitiness, lightweight balance, and Hombo Shuzo’s precise blending philosophy—a true “balanced warrior.” Whether neat or with food, it performs beautifully. Easy-drinking, wallet-friendly, and absolutely worthy of being your home Daily Dram.