From Sparrow’s Scotch and whisky list, Takamine 8 is a distinctive koji-fermented Japanese whisky aged 8 years ($23 by the pour, or $34.50 for a larger pour).
About Takamine 8
Takamine is a Japanese whisky made by an unusual, patented process that uses koji, the same ancient mold used in sake and soy production, to convert the grain’s starches into sugars instead of the traditional malting step. It is produced at the Shinozaki Distillery in Japan from a barley base, then double distilled and aged. The whisky is named for Jokichi Takamine, the pioneering Japanese chemist who first applied koji fermentation to American whiskey back in the 1890s, so there is real history in the glass. As the name notes, this expression is aged 8 years.
Tasting Notes
Koji-fermented whisky has a character all its own. Because koji rather than traditional malting does the work of converting starch to sugar, the process tends to bring a soft, slightly savory sweetness alongside the grain, giving the whisky a smooth, rounded feel that sets it apart from a standard malt. It is an approachable, easy-sipping pour with a gentle texture and a quiet complexity that rewards a slow glass.
What to Pair It With
Enjoy it neat or over a large cube to let the koji character come through. From the Sparrow dinner menu, it pairs nicely with the American Wagyu steaks, the Sparrow-Smoked Rack, or the Truffle Deviled Eggs. It is a great conversation pour in our 21+ lounge, and our daily happy hour from 3 to 5 PM is a relaxed time to explore something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Takamine 8?
Takamine 8 is a Japanese whisky made with a koji-fermentation process at the Shinozaki Distillery, named after chemist Jokichi Takamine, and aged 8 years.
How much is a pour of Takamine 8 at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland, Takamine 8 is $23 by the pour, or $34.50 for a larger pour.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Shibui Pure Malt and Shibuie 15 year Sherry Cask. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come try it.