By Randall H. Borkus
Rating: D-
(Credit: Randall H. Borkus)
Aiko Brands recently announced the debut of Wild Clay Collective. It is a new line of what they call “collectible spirits that merges premium craftsmanship with creative designs.” The collection consists of three decanters which include a Flamingo, Pelican, and Rainbow Trout.
“Wild Clay Collective is where craftsmanship meets creativity,” said Feliks Shekhtman, Managing Partner of Aiko Brands. “These bottles invite collectors and whiskey lovers alike to savor exceptional spirits while celebrating art, humor, and individuality. This first collection is just the beginning, more wild creations are already in the works.”
I have taken quite an interest in Japanese Whisky in the past few years, Japan’s whiskies are rather remarkable in my experience.
What I have learned about Japanese Whisky is the governing rules for labeling whisky are incredibly malleable by international standards. Although the Japanese Spirits and Liqueur Makers Association finally published guidelines for Japanese Whisky in 2021, adherence to those guidelines are voluntary, and there is no national whisky law. Unlike other world whisky producers, Japanese bottlers are not mandated to produce and mature their whisky in Japan in order to use the designation “Japanese Whisky.” Several Japanese producers blend whiskies from Scotland, Ireland and other parts of the world into their Japanese whiskies. Nonetheless, many Japanese blended whisky brands carry the designation Japanese whisky, though little of the whisky is even from Japan, or in other cases just bottle scotch whisky in Japan and label it Japanese whisky. The bottom line is JSLMA membership is voluntary so it is not illegal to label any whisky as Japanese whisky, whether made in Japan or not.
I did reach out to the Aiko Brands representative numerous times inquiring about the whisky details and provenance, but was only told “they aren’t disclosing that information at this time”.
The Whisky
My tasting notes are faint here as the whisky itself is rather indistinct. The nose is soft with not much going on. The color is a light and Scotch-like. The taste is medium grainy with slight hints of lemon peel and more grain. The finish is thin and almost non-existent. At 80 proof I expected a little heat but nothing memorable here for me. The decanter itself is beautiful and will make a great decoration in my neighbor’s garden.
The whisky in my decanter may contain some Japanese distilled whisky, or it may be not? Unfortunately, the label does not provide any blend details, nor does it confirm it was distilled or made in Japan. I am underwhelmed by this flavor experience.
The Price
Wild Clay Collective decanter whiskies 700 ML are available for purchase in-stores such as Binny’s in Chicago and online for $89.00 each.
