Kura the Whisky Rum Cask Finish is a controversial bottling from Okinawa’s Helios (rum) Distillery.
Is it Japanese whisky? Find out, plus learn what it tastes like and how much it costs.
Is Kura Pure Malt Japanese Whisky?
Sort of. Helios claims this whisky is a blend of malt from a Scottish distillery and their own. The Scotch is likely from the Speyside or Highland regions.
The proportions of the malt whiskies are unknown.
This whisky is finished in Helios Japanese rum barrels.
Kura Whisky Tasting Notes
This pure malt has a light straw color. And it’s moderately aromatic. Notes of almond and bruised golden apple dominate. There’s a touch of herbal peat too.
On the palate, Kura the Whisky has notes of sour and toasted grains, banana, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Overall, Kura Rum Cask seems fairly young, grainy, peaty, pungent, and spicy. Helios also doesn’t chill-filter or add coloring to this whisky. It’s not bad, but is it a good value?
Kura the Whisky Japanese Rum Barrel Finish Price
The average pre-tax price of Kura Whisky in the US (2021) is $69.50. The lowest price was $58, and the highest price was $200 (Dekanta, of course).
To find this number, I looked at a dozen prominent retailers selling Kura whisky in the US. I threw out two unscrupulous outliers and took the average of the rest.
In a restaurant or bar setting, a 1.5 oz pour of Kura the Whisky will likely cost between $10 and $20. This is based on a wholesale price of $50 for a 750ml bottle.
Where to Buy Kura Pure Malt Japanese Whisky
Large national and regional retailers readily stock this whisky. Total Wine, Binny’s, BevMo!, and Costco are good places to check.
But unless you live adjacent to a giant retailer, online stores are probably the easiest way to source Kura Whisky.
Check out the retailers below to see if they have this Okinawan whisky available. We may earn commissions on qualifying purchases.
Have You Tried Kura Rum Cask Whisky? What do You Think?
Reviews for this blended malt are mixed, and it definitely attracts a lot of bad reviews. My first impression of this whisky wasn’t positive either. But after spending some time with it, I began to enjoy it more.
My primary gripe is that at around $70 US, Kura is not a great value.
But what do you think?