Japan
Founded in 2013 by Yoshiharu Takeuchi in Ōtsu, Japan, Nine Leaves distillery proudly bore the founder’s family coat of arms, featuring nine bamboo leaves.
(RUM)
This story is an intimate, personal one. After working with Ichiro Akuto, founder of Chichibu whisky distillery, Yoshiharu developed a passion for producing exceptional rums using the artisanal techniques traditionally reserved for Single Malt Whiskies.
Takeuchi-san managed every aspect of the distillery by himself, without exception. From fermenting to distilling, filling casks, moving barrels and labeling bottles, he handled it all unassisted. He chose to work alone, ensuring that Nine Leaves reflected his dedication and vision.
From start to finish, the journey of Nine Leaves was the embodiment of one man’s unwavering commitment to his craft. At the end of 2023, after 10 years of operation, he made the difficult decision to close the distillery, choosing to sell the entire stock of ageing rums and the final batch of white rum to La Maison & Velier.
Though the reasons remain partly shrouded in mystery, one thing is clear: the legacy of Nine Leaves will live on, continuing to evolve, with the promise of exciting future releases. Following the first five releases launched in 2024, this new series of five bottlings, distilled between 2017 and 2020, continues to pay tribute to the distillery. A continuation of sorts to the first range unveiled last year, this second release introduces new Unsun Karuta cards.
(THE RANGE)
NINE LEAVES
2018 Ex-Armagnac
Small Batch
59%
NINE LEAVES
2020 Ex-Sherry PX
Small Batch
59%
NINE LEAVES
2017 Ex-Wente Red
Single Cask
60%
NINE LEAVES
2018 Ex-Spanish Oak
Single Cask
59%
NINE LEAVES
2020 Ex-Sherry PX
Single Cask
60%
NINE LEAVES
Last Drops
62%
NINE LEAVES
2017 Ex-Bourbon
Small Batch
59%
NINE LEAVES
2017 Ex-Russian Oak
Small Batch
58%
NINE LEAVES
2014 Ex-American Oak
Single Cask #5
59%
NINE LEAVES
2016 Ex-American Oak
Single Cask #7
59%