Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t a syrupy fruit bomb. Sasanokawa’s Cherry Ex is a masterclass in balance from one of Japan’s oldest independent distilleries. Clean, elegant, and surprisingly complex, it’s the kind of whisky that earns a second look.

Sasanokawa Cherry Ex Blended Japanese Whisky
Brand: Sasanokawa | Category: Japanese Blended Whisky | ABV: 40% | Origin: Japan | Vol: 500ml

Tasting Profile
Nose: Light and floral, like a spring breeze through a citrus orchard, hints of white peach, green apple, and vanilla cream.
Palate: Smooth and mellow, with honeyed malt, subtle oak, and a whisper of orchard fruits. Think understated, not overpowering.
Finish: Clean and crisp, with soft spice and a touch of dryness, like the final page of a well-loved book.

Production Details
Crafted by Asaka Distillery, the reborn spirit of Sasanokawa Shuzo, a sake and shochu house with roots dating back to 1765. Cherry Ex blends both malt and grain whiskies matured in re-charred American oak, resulting in a dram that’s light but never lacking.

Perfect For
Slow, thoughtful evenings. A pour that plays well with silence or jazz. Ideal for introducing new drinkers to Japanese whisky without sacrificing sophistication.

Expert Notes
It may not have the cult status of bigger names, but Cherry Ex has quietly earned its place on enthusiast shelves. Praised for its drinkability and honesty, no gimmicks, just craftsmanship.

Customer Reviews
🗨 “I expected candy, got elegance. This one's sneaky good.”
🗨 “Not loud, not flashy, but seriously smooth. Great bottle to relax with.”
🗨 “Cherry? More like charm in a bottle.”

Interesting Fact
Sasanokawa Shuzo is the same company that helped launch Ichiro’s Malt when Hanyu Distillery shuttered, playing a pivotal role in preserving modern Japanese whisky history.

Serving Suggestions
Neat is perfect. Add a splash of water to unlock its lighter fruit tones, or try it in a highball with lemon peel for a refreshing twist.

Distillery Background
Asaka Distillery, established in 2016 under the historic Sasanokawa Shuzo banner, blends centuries of sake tradition with a modern whisky vision. Based in Fukushima, their approach is small-batch, meticulous, and quietly revolutionary, a true underdog in the Japanese whisky world.