Japon, Kanagawa. Distillery closed.

Like in Scotland, the 1980s made a permanent impression on Japan's distilleries and stocks. Founded in 1935 in the town of the same name, the Kawasaki grain distillery was closed in January 1983. Its first decades were marked primarily by the production of industrial spirit. It would not be until the 50s and 60s that the production of a grain and malt whisky began. Few casks from this distillery survived the turn of the millennium. Once again, it was Ichiro Akuto (Chichibu, Hanyu, Karuizawa) who managed to get his hands on the last barrels still available at the start of the 2000s. Notable vintages include 1976, 1980, 1981 and 1982. Some barrels were shared amongst several companies, including Part des Anges, La Maison du Whisky, Nonjatta, Ichiro's Choice, Whisky Live Tokyo and Number One Drinks, leading to a variety of labels and bottlings.

A Kawasaki grain whisky distilled in 1981, matured for 28 years in bourbon casks and bottled at cask strength in 2009 by La Part des Anges for the Closed Distilleries range. La Part des Anges is an independent bottler founded in 2005 by Thierry Richard and Laurent Buob, specializing in whisky, champagne and cognac. A limited edition of 120 bottles.