Nine Leaves - Velier Collection - 2020 LM&V Two of "Pao" 2 Casks Ex-Sherry PX Full Proof Small Batch - 2020 LM&V Un of "Isu" Cask #21 Ex-Sherry PX Single Cask - 2018 LM&V Ace of "Guru" Ex-Armagnac Cask - With Box 3 x 70cl

NEW

€490.00

Item number: 1656

Nine Leaves – Velier Collection 2025 (3×70cl)

is an extraordinary Japanese rum trilogy preserving the legacy of the now-closed Nine Leaves Distillery. Founded in 2013 in Ōtsu (Shiga Prefecture) by Yoshiharu Takeuchi, Nine Leaves became renowned for its meticulous kokuto (black sugar) rums, four-day fermentations using local yeasts, and precision pot still distillation inspired by single malt whisky production.

Takeuchi collaborated with Forsyths to design bespoke copper pot stills — a robust wash still and an elegant spirit still — resulting in remarkably pure, character-driven distillates. Using exceptionally pure water from Mount Ishiyama and ageing part of its stocks in a former mine converted into a cellar, Nine Leaves quickly achieved cult status before closing its doors in 2023.

In 2024, Velier acquired the remaining casks, safeguarding this rare Japanese rum heritage. The Velier Collection 2025 presents three cask-strength expressions, each bottled in 2025 and offered in a premium 3×70cl box set — a true collector’s release.

The Collection

Nine Leaves 2020 – Un of “Isu” Cask #21 (Ex-Sherry PX, Single Cask)

A fully matured 5-year-old rum aged entirely in a 400L Pedro Ximénez cask.

Cask: #21 (Single Cask)
Bottled: 2025
ABV: 60% (Cask Strength)
Outturn: 464 bottles

This strictly limited single cask highlights the depth and concentration PX maturation can bring to kokuto distillate.

Nine Leaves 2020 – Two of “Pao” (2 Casks Ex-Sherry PX, Small Batch)

A marriage of two 400L Pedro Ximénez casks, aged for five years in Nine Leaves’ underground cellar.

Casks: 2 × PX Sherry (400L)
Bottled: 2025
ABV: 59% (Cask Strength)
Outturn: 929 bottles

A luminous and intense expression — a sensory tribute to the world of sherry maturation.

Nine Leaves 2018 – Ace of “Guru” (Ex-Armagnac Casks)

A 7-year-old rum matured in three 300L ex-Armagnac casks, enriching the Japanese black sugar spirit with layered oak complexity.

Casks: 3 × Ex-Armagnac (300L)
Bottled: 2025
ABV: 59% (Cask Strength)
Outturn: 923 bottles

A refined and elegant interpretation of extended ageing within the Nine Leaves philosophy.

Tasting Notes

Un of “Isu” – Cask #21

Colour: Deep amber with copper flashes.
Nose: Intense black sugar, lightly caramelised cane, layered with medicinal hints, floral tones, dried fruits and honeyed richness.
Palate: Powerful yet precise. PX-driven notes of raisins, figs and dark toffee intertwine with herbal freshness and subtle spice.
Finish: Long, structured and warming, balancing sweetness with refined oak grip.

Two of “Pao” – 2 Casks PX

Colour: Radiant tones of brown, orange and golden amber.
Nose: Opulent and solar. Infused fruits, bright sherry sweetness, subtle roasted cane and elegant spice.
Palate: Deep and expressive with remarkable intensity. Dark fruit compote, honey, citrus zest and a surprising freshness lift the richness.
Finish: Complex and vibrant, with lingering fruit and delicate wood spice.

Ace of “Guru” – Ex-Armagnac

Colour: Rich amber with bronze reflections.
Nose: Airy and refined. Red fruits, soft oak, floral accents and gentle spice.
Palate: Layered and harmonious. Liquorice, dried apricot, vanilla, herbal tones and elegant Armagnac warmth.
Finish: Long, subtle and beautifully integrated, showcasing finesse over force.

Crafted for the Rum Connoisseur

Nine Leaves – Velier Collection 2025 is best enjoyed:

Neat, to experience the purity of Nine Leaves’ kokuto distillate
With a few drops of water, to unlock additional aromatic layers
As a collector’s centrepiece, thanks to its limited outturns and historical significance

This collection will particularly appeal to lovers of high-proof bottlings, sherry and Armagnac cask maturation, and terroir-driven Japanese craft spirits.

Product Details

Producer: Nine Leaves (Velier Collection)
Founder: Yoshiharu Takeuchi
Country: Japan (Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture)
Style: Kokuto Rum (Black Sugar Rum)
Distillation: Copper pot stills by Forsyths
Vintages: 2018 & 2020
Age: 5 & 7 Years
Alcohol Content: 59–60% (Cask Strength)
Volume: 3 × 70cl
Presentation: Premium Boxed Set
Additives: None declared

Why Choose Nine Leaves – Velier Collection 2025?

✔ Rare Japanese rum from a closed cult distillery
✔ Kokuto black sugar distillation with local yeast fermentation
✔ Fully matured in PX Sherry and Armagnac casks
✔ Cask strength bottlings for maximum intensity
✔ Strictly limited releases (464 / 929 / 923 bottles)
✔ Essential collector’s trilogy

Nine Leaves – Velier Collection 2025 is a powerful tribute to one of Japan’s most innovative rum distilleries — precise, artisanal, and unmistakably distinctive.