From Sparrow’s Scotch and whisky list, the Shibuie 15 year Sherry Cask is a rare, sherry-rich Japanese rice whisky aged 15 years ($50 by the pour, or $75 for a larger pour).
About Shibuie 15 year Sherry Cask
This is part of the Shibui range of sourced Japanese whiskies, a brand that finds and bottles standout barrels rather than running its own still. What sets this expression apart is its grain bill. As the menu describes, it is built from a mash bill of premium Indica and long-grain rice, fermented with native Japanese yeasts and aged in the subtropical warmth of Okinawa. It is then matured in first-fill Fino and Manzanilla sherry casks, which lend dry, nutty richness on top of the rice-derived character. It carries a 15-year age statement.
Tasting Notes
The menu says it best: rich, complex, and smooth as glass. The first-fill Fino and Manzanilla sherry casks bring dry, savory depth and a nutty edge, while the rice base gives it a soft, almost silky texture. This is a layered, slow-sipping whisky for someone who wants something off the beaten path.
What to Pair It With
Pour it neat in a tulip glass and give it time to open. From the Sparrow dinner menu, it is lovely after a meal of American Wagyu steak or the Sparrow-Smoked Rack, or simply on its own as a digestif. It is a special-occasion pour for our 21+ lounge after dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shibuie 15 year Sherry Cask made from?
It is a Japanese rice whisky built from a mash bill of premium Indica and long-grain rice, fermented with native Japanese yeasts, aged in Okinawa, and matured in first-fill Fino and Manzanilla sherry casks.
What is the best way to drink the Shibuie 15 year Sherry Cask?
Pour it neat in a tulip glass and give it time to open, so its rich, nutty sherry depth and silky rice-derived texture can come through. It is a slow-sipping, special-occasion whisky.
How much is a pour of the Shibuie 15 year Sherry Cask at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland, the Shibuie 15 year Sherry Cask is $50 by the pour, or $75 for a larger pour.
Where can I try the Shibuie 15 year Sherry Cask near Seattle?
Sparrow is in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, just across Lake Washington from Seattle, where you can enjoy this rare Japanese rice whisky after dinner in our 21+ lounge.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Shibui Pure Malt and Takamine 8. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come taste it.