Kiyokawa Nobushi Pure Malt Review (46% ABV): Worth £76 in the UK?

Testing Period: 3 weeks (September-October 2025) | Bottles Purchased: 4 (retail price)

Editorial Note: This review uses whisky purchased at retail price. See our review methodology and affiliate disclosure policy.

TL;DR: Quick Verdict

Pros

✅ Transparent Japanese sourcing (verified)
✅ Silky mouthfeel from non-chill filtration
✅ Excellent neat and in highballs
✅ Fair pricing given UK tax burden (£23/bottle)
✅ ISO 22000 certified distillery

Cons

❌ Very limited UK availability
❌ No age statement
❌ Less refined than Nikka pure malts
❌ £35 premium over 40% blend
❌ Requires specialist sourcing

Reviewer Credentials & Testing Protocol

Who Reviewed This:
Myself I have over 5 years experience reviewing Japanese whisky and other whiskeys. See full tasting methodology and scoring rubric.

How This Was Tested:

• Duration: 3 weeks, 6 tasting sessions
• Method: Blind initial tasting, then labeled comparisons
• Comparisons: Nobushi 40% Blend, Nikka From the Barrel
• Glassware: Glencairn at 18-20°C
• Conditions: Pre- and post-dinner sessions
• Water: 5ml spring water added in separate testing
• Resting: 48 hours breathing after opening

Note on Images: This review is based on purchased product. Original photography is recommended for optimal verification—contact us if you'd like to contribute authenticated images of your bottle.

Product Specifications & Verification

Attribute	Value	Verification Status
Type	Japanese Pure Malt (Blended Malt)	✅ Verified: Official site
ABV	46%	✅ Verified: Label & Amazon UK listing
Volume	700ml	✅ Verified
Filtration	Non-chill filtered	✅ Verified: Amazon product details
Coloring (E150a)	Not disclosed	⚠️ Producer has not confirmed
Cask Type	American oak	✅ Verified: Master of Malt
Source Regions	Miyagi, Nagano, Hokkaido (Japan)	✅ Verified: Master of Malt
Blending Location	Kiyokawa, Nagano Prefecture	✅ Verified: Official distillery
Age Statement	NAS (minimum 3-4 years)	⚠️ Not officially disclosed
Batch Variation	Unknown (no visible lot codes tested)	⚠️ Requires verification

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What Is "Pure Malt" Japanese Whisky?

"Pure malt" means 100% malted barley whisky blended from multiple distilleries. This differs from:

• Single Malt: One distillery only
• Blended Whisky: Mix of malt + grain whiskies

The Nobushi Pure Malt sources 100% malt whiskies from three Japanese prefectures (Miyagi, Nagano, Hokkaido), then blends and bottles at Kiyokawa's Iiyama facility in Nagano. Maturation occurs in American oak barrels.

Source: The Japanese Bar: Pure Malt Whisky Defined

For more context, see our guide on what is single malt whiskey.

Detailed Tasting Notes

Appearance

Rich amber with copper highlights. Noticeably darker than the 40% blend (suggesting longer cask contact or different barrel selection). Thick, slow-moving legs indicate good body and oil content from non-chill filtration.

Nose (Neat, 46% ABV)

First Impression (0-2 minutes):
Warm malt cereal dominates—like walking past a bakery at 6am.

Developed (5-10 minutes):
Candied ginger emerges alongside toasted oak, honeyed sweetness, dried apricots, and cinnamon. The official tasting notes cite "malty aromas with candied ginger and toasty oak"—I confirm this precisely.

Additional Notes:
Mixed nuts, raisins, and honeycomb appear as the glass warms. No ethanol harshness despite 46% ABV.

Palate

Texture: Genuinely silky mouthfeel (the non-chill filtration shows here). Full-bodied without being heavy.

Flavor Progression:

1. Entry: Vanilla and almond
2. Mid-Palate: Fresh spices (black pepper, not heat), dark chocolate
3. Development: Dried fruit, honey, toasted oak

The 46% ABV carries flavors confidently without alcohol burn. I counted 6+ distinct flavour transitions, the 40% blend manages 3-4 at most.

With 5ml Water Added

Water releases vanilla and brings oak spice forward. Ginger becomes more pronounced. Texture remains silky but slightly lighter. Recommended for detailed analysis rather than casual sipping.

See our complete guide on should whiskey be mixed with water.

Finish

Duration: Medium to long (45-60 seconds active flavor)
Character: Warm sweet spices and wood dominate
Structure: Oak tannins provide backbone without bitterness
Aftertaste: Pleasant warming sensation lingers; no harsh alcohol bite

As a Japanese Whisky Highball

Recipe: 50ml whisky + 150ml premium soda + large ice cube + expressed lemon peel

Result: Carbonation lifts ginger and oak spice beautifully. One of this whisky's best applications. The malt character stays present even at 1:3 dilution.

For proper technique, see our Japanese whiskey highball guide (method + ratio).

Nobushi 46% vs 40%: Complete Side-by-Side

Attribute	Pure Malt 46%	Blended 40%	Winner
Composition	100% malted barley	Malt + grain blend	46%
UK Price	£76.00	£41.25	40% (value)
ABV	46%	40%	46%
Filtration	Non-chill filtered (verified)	Not disclosed	46%
Coloring	Not disclosed	Not disclosed	Tie
Cask Type	American oak	American oak	Tie
Nose Complexity	Malty, ginger, oak, nuts, raisins (6+ notes)	Caramel, honey, mint (3-4 notes)	46%
Mouthfeel	Silky, full-bodied, oily	Light, thin, watery	46%
Palate Depth	Vanilla, chocolate, dried fruit, spices	Sweet, mint, one-dimensional	46%
Finish Length	45-60 seconds	20-30 seconds	46%
Best Neat	Excellent	Decent	46%
Best Highball	Excellent	Very good	46% (slight edge)
Best for Cocktails	Good	Excellent	40%
UK Availability	Specialist only	Widely stocked	40%
Target Audience	Enthusiasts, collectors	Beginners, casual drinkers	Different goals

Key Takeaway: The 46% delivers approximately 80% more complexity for 84% more money. Worth it for enthusiasts; skip if you're exploring Japanese whisky for the first time.

For beginners, start with our guide to the best whiskey for beginners.

UK Pricing, Taxes & Availability

Transparent Price Breakdown

Retail Price (RRP): £76.00

UK Tax Calculation (46% ABV, 700ml bottle):

Tax figures last verified: 27 October 2025
Source: HMRC Alcohol Duty Rates (official guidance)

Interpretation: You're paying £52.77 for the actual whisky, which is fair for a craft Japanese pure malt. The remaining £23+ covers UK duties and VAT.

Where to Buy (Last Verified: 27 October 2025)

Retailer	Stock Status	Price	Shipping	Last Checked
Japanese Whisky & Spirits	In stock	£76.00	UK mainland	27 Oct 2025
Amazon UK	Recently available	£76.00	Prime eligible	27 Oct 2025
The Whisky Exchange	Not stocked	N/A	40% blend only	27 Oct 2025
Master of Malt	Not stocked	N/A	40% blend only	27 Oct 2025

⚠️ Availability Note: Major UK retailers stock only the 40% blended version (£41.25). The 46% Pure Malt requires specialist sourcing through the official importer or limited online retailers.

Stock Alert: Interested in this whisky? Set up alerts through retailer websites as availability fluctuates.

For other options, see best Japanese whiskies under £100 in the UK.

Authenticity & Provenance: Is This Real Japanese Whisky?

Verified Claims:

✅ Distillery: Iiyama Mountain Farm Distillery, Nagano Prefecture
Established: 2016 | Whisky License: 2019
Source: Kiyokawa official distillery page

✅ ISO 22000 Certification: Achieved June 2025 (rare for craft distilleries)
Source: The Spirits Business press coverage

✅ Farm-to-Bottle Model: To our knowledge, Japan's first distillery growing barley on-site for whisky production
Source: Dekanta Diary feature

✅ Equipment: Frilli Italian copper pot stills (5,000L capacity)
Source: Dear Whisky distillery profile

✅ Multi-Regional Sourcing: Whiskies from Miyagi, Nagano, and Hokkaido prefectures blended at Kiyokawa
Source: Master of Malt product specifications

Important Context

The Pure Malt blends whiskies from multiple Japanese distilleries, so while 100% Japanese, it's not single-distillery production. This transparency is refreshing given historical labeling issues in Japanese whisky.

For complete production details, see our ultimate guide to Japanese whisky.

Alternatives: How Does It Compare?

Whisky	ABV	UK Price	Style	Cask	Filtration	Coloring	Finish	Availability	Buy If...
Nobushi Pure Malt	46%	£76	Pure malt	American oak	Non-chill	Unknown	Med-long	Specialist	You want farm-to-bottle story
Nikka Taketsuru	43%	£95	Pure malt	Sherry/bourbon	Chill-filtered	Yes	Long	Wide	You want refinement
Nikka From Barrel	51.4%	£45	Blended	Multiple	Non-chill	Yes	Long	Wide	You want value + intensity
Yamazaki 12	43%	£120+	Single malt	Mizunara/sherry	Chill-filtered	Yes	Very long	Limited	You want elegance (if findable)
Nobushi 40%	40%	£41	Blended	American oak	Unknown	Unknown	Short	Wide	You're a beginner

My Recommendation: At £76, I'd personally choose Nikka From the Barrel at £45 plus a nice dinner. But if you value the farm-to-bottle provenance and want something genuinely different, Nobushi delivers.

Related Guides:

• Best Japanese whiskies (complete rankings)
• Affordable Japanese whisky under £50
• Japanese whisky brands (comprehensive list)

Food Pairing Recommendations

Successful Pairings:

• Grilled salmon with teriyaki: Sweet spice + caramelized sauce complement perfectly
• Dark chocolate (70% cacao): Matches chocolate notes in whisky
• Aged cheddar or parmesan: Nutty cheese + nutty whisky = excellent match
• Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers): Toasted oak mirrors charred meat

Failed Pairings:

• Sushi (too delicate; whisky overpowers)
• Spicy Thai food (heat clashes with spice notes)
• Light seafood (needs lighter spirit)

More Ideas: Guide to pairing Japanese whisky with food

Who Should Buy This Whisky?

Buy the 46% Pure Malt If:

✓ You already enjoy Japanese whisky and want more depth
✓ You appreciate farm-to-bottle provenance stories
✓ You drink whisky neat or in Japanese whisky highballs
✓ You want authentic Japanese production with verification
✓ You value non-chill filtration and higher proof

Buy the 40% Blend Instead If:

✓ Your budget is under £50
✓ You're new to whisky (see whisky for beginners)
✓ You mainly use whisky in cocktails or mixed drinks
✓ You prefer lighter, sweeter, more accessible profiles
✓ You value easy availability over complexity

Skip Both If:

✗ You can't easily source specialist products
✗ You want maximum complexity per pound (try Nikka instead)
✗ You demand age statements for reassurance
✗ You prefer well-established brands

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kiyokawa Nobushi Pure Malt real Japanese whisky?

Yes. Kiyokawa operates a licensed distillery in Nagano Prefecture (established 2016, whisky license 2019) with ISO 22000 certification. The Pure Malt blends 100% malt whiskies from three Japanese regions at their Iiyama facility. Verified source

What does "pure malt" mean in Japanese whisky?

100% malted barley whisky blended from multiple distilleries. Different from "single malt" which must come from one distillery only. See pure malt whisky definition explained.

Is non-chill filtration important?

Yes. Non-chill filtered whisky retains more fatty acids and congeners for better mouthfeel and flavor depth—exactly what you taste in the Nobushi 46%. Learn more about chill filtration in whisky production.

Should I add water to 46% ABV whisky?

Try it both ways. Neat shows full character; 5ml water opens vanilla and integrates spice. Personal preference matters. Our guide on mixing whisky with water properly covers this in depth.

How does it compare to the 40% blend?

The 46% has 100% malt composition (vs malt+grain), silky texture (vs thin), non-chill filtration (vs unknown), and double the complexity. Worth the premium for enthusiasts. The 40% suits beginners better. See full comparison table.

Where can I buy Nobushi Pure Malt 46% in the UK?

Japanese Whisky & Spirits (official importer) and occasionally Amazon UK at £76. Major retailers don't stock the 46% version—only the 40% blend. Last verified 27 Oct 2025.

Does batch variation affect the taste?

Unknown. The bottles I tested showed no visible lot codes. If you notice batch-to-batch variation, please contact us with your observations.

Final Verdict: 7.7/10

The Kiyokawa Nobushi Pure Malt 46% delivers authentic Japanese whisky with genuine farm-to-bottle provenance and the proof to satisfy enthusiasts. At £76, it's fairly priced when you account for UK taxes (£23.23 per bottle)—though frustratingly limited availability holds it back.

The Bottom Line:
This whisky punches above its weight with silky mouthfeel, verifiable Japanese sourcing, and ISO-certified production. It's 80% as good as Nikka's pure malts at a lower price point. However, you'll need patience to source it.

My Personal Take:
I'd buy another bottle for special occasions and highball sessions. For everyday drinking, Nikka From the Barrel at £45 offers better value and easier access. But if you value the craft distillery story and want something different on your shelf, this delivers.

Related Content

More Japanese Whisky:

• Best Japanese whiskies for highballs (2024 rankings)
• History of Japanese whisky (complete timeline)
• How to drink Japanese whisky traditionally

Similar Styles:

• Irish whiskey vs Scotch (key differences explained)
• American whiskey vs Irish whiskey comparison
• Guide to Scotch whisky (regions and styles)

Disclosure: This review was conducted using whisky purchased at retail price. This site may earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases through retailer links. This does not affect our editorial independence. See our complete review policy and methodology.