Endo Kazutoshi Releases First Whiskey

"Endo Kazutoshi's name is all over London. It's on Endo at the Rotunda (notoriously one of the city's hardest-to-book restaurants); it's on the top floor of Raffles at the OWO in the form of Kioku at Endo; and it's more discreetly on the bill at Niju, a swanky Japanese spot in Mayfair. And now, it's on the label of a bottle of whiskey."

"Launched in early October, Silent Harmony is a limited edition expression from progressive whiskey brand Neit. Founded in Italy by brothers Luca and Francesco Fracassi, Neit is intent on capturing a younger breed of whiskey drinkers - with a focus on women drinkers, according to brand ambassador Nicola Battafarano at the London launch. Unlike more traditional labels, Neit is focused on where and how its spirits will be drunk, as opposed to diving too deep into the mechanics of how it is made."

"The whiskey itself is bottled at 46% ABV. On the nose, it's surprisingly floral, with a hint of green apple. The first sip has notes of stone fruit and a touch of mint. There's a nice hint of spice, too. The brand is un-fussy so have no qualms recommending their spirits in cocktails either; try Silent Harmony in a boulevardier."

""What drew me to Neit was not just the whiskey, it was their philosophy," Kazutoshi says. "In Japan, we say shokunin kishitsu - the spirit of the craftsman. For me, the whole process of omakase is about craft. Neit shares that spirit. It felt like we were speaking the same language, just through different materials: them through whiskey, me through sushi.""

Endo Kazutoshi's name appears across several London restaurants and now on Silent Harmony, a limited-edition whiskey from Neit. Neit was founded in Italy by brothers Luca and Francesco Fracassi and targets a younger demographic with a noted focus on women drinkers. The brand emphasises where and how spirits are consumed rather than detailed production mechanics. Silent Harmony is a single-cask spirit aged 34 years in an ex-bourbon barrel, bottled at 46% ABV. Tasting notes include floral and green apple on the nose, stone fruit, mint and gentle spice on the palate. The whiskey is recommended for cocktails such as a boulevardier. Kazutoshi cites shared craft values with Neit.

Read at Elite Traveler