Nine Leaves 2020 Single Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask #21

Profile: The Nine Leaves 2020 Single Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask #21 at a glance

• The legacy lives on - Single cask bottling from the closed Nine Leaves distillery
• A Japanese pure single rum made from traditional Kokuto whole cane sugar
• Yoshiharu Takeuchi's Nine Leaves distillery only produced from 2013 to 2023
• Limited single cask bottling - only 464 bottles from Pedro Ximénez sherry cask no. 21

Portrait: What makes the Nine Leaves 2020 Single Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask #21 special

The Nine Leaves 2020 Single Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask #21 is something of a testament to the fact that Japan not only produces excellent whisky, but can also conjure up a small masterpiece when it comes to rum. And as is so often the case in Japan, the story begins with a vision – and with a person who decides to simply do it themselves. That person is Yoshiharu Takeuchi. In 2013, he founded the small, almost quaint Nine Leaves Distillery in the Japanese town of Ōtsu. His goal: to produce rum with a precision and craftsmanship more commonly associated with the world of single malt whisky. In short: rum that's impeccably crafted - you get the idea: very neatly made. Takeuchi actually took care of almost everything himself. From fermenting the traditional Kokuto whole cane sugar to distillation in the pot still and labeling the bottles. So, if someone claims that a lot of handwork went into this, it's not a marketing phrase, but rather a very polite understatement. The distillery, however, only existed for a little over a decade. In 2023, it closed its doors – which, in the world of spirits, is about as sad as a favorite ramen shop suddenly disappearing.
But the story didn't end there: La Maison & Velier took over the stock. This ensured that the existing casks wouldn't simply languish, but would continue to be bottled and shared with the world. One of these bottlings is the 2020 vintage rum. It matured for five years and comes from cask number 21 – a Pedro Ximénez sherry cask. Only 464 bottles exist, roughly the amount that would be considered "slightly excessive" at a medium-sized family gathering in Japan. Bottled at a robust 60% ABV, uncolored, and unsweetened, this rum embodies what Nine Leaves has always stood for: uncompromising craftsmanship. Even the design draws on Japanese culture, inspired by the traditional card game Unsun Karuta. In short: this rum is not just a distillate – it's a small piece of modern Japanese rum history. And as we all know, there's never enough of that.

Distilled: 2020
Base: Kokuto Whole Cane Sugar
Distillation: Pot Still
Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask
Cask No.: 21
Outturn: 464 Bottles
Not Colored
Not Sweetened

Tasting Notes: This is how the Nine Leaves 2020 Single Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask #21 tastes like

• Nose: On the nose, the combination of Japanese precision and sherry cask influence is immediately apparent. Lightly roasted cane sugar rises first, accompanied by warm, almost medicinal aromas reminiscent of herbal balm and apothecary shelves. Floral impressions unfold behind – delicate blossoms that evoke spring meadows. After a few moments, fruity nuances emerge: dark dried fruits, a hint of candied orange, and a gentle honey note that lends the whole a soft, rounded character.
• Palate: On the palate, the rum is powerful and structured, which is hardly surprising at 60% ABV. The texture is dense and complex. Initially, notes of lightly caramelized raw cane sugar reappear, before fruity impressions unfold – dark raisins, figs, and a hint of ripe plums. These are accompanied by floral nuances and a slightly spicy, almost medicinal undertone, which gives the rum additional depth. Honey-like notes provide a pleasant balance, while the influence of the Pedro Ximénez cask adds an elegant, dark sweetness in the background.
• Finish: The finish is long and warming. The sweet, dark sherry notes linger, accompanied by honey and a gentle spiciness. Gradually, subtle medicinal and floral nuances reappear, lending the finale an interesting, almost contemplative quality. Towards the end, a blend of toasted sugar, dried fruit, and subtle cask spice remains—a finish that fades quietly but lingers in the memory for quite some time.