Maen, which translates to “the perfect circle”, is made under the guiding principles of Zen in which the closed circle symbolizes perfection. This philosophy states that once the circle is drawn, it does not change. Once the whisky is made, it does not change. It evidences the character of its creator in a perfectly fluid, continuous period of time.
Maen is made in a region of Japan where the purest spring water, the highest quality ingredients and the humid subtropical climate make the perfect environment for distilling and aging Japanese whisky.
Maen Japanese Whisky offers three expressions; a blended Japanese whisky, an 8 year old blended pure malt whisky and a luxurious 12 year old blended pure malt whisky.
Maen, the Perfect Circle Whisky.
Maen Japanese Whisky Blend is a premium whisky made from a harmonious blend of 20% malt whisky and 80% grain whiskey. The grain whisky is made from a mash of corn, barley and rye.
The whiskies are distilled in a double copper pot still and then aged between 3 and 5 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
Maen Japanese Whisky Blend is a versatile whisky which can be consumed in cocktails such as an Old Fashioned, Highball or Whisky Sour or savored straight over ice.
Nose: Bright fruits, raisins, fresh citrus with hints of licorice and natural vanilla.
Palate: A well-balanced taste which includes the refreshing sweetness of apples and peaches and the aroma of nuts, warming spices, nutmeg and white pepper. Honey like, creamy texture with notes of toasted almonds and dried fruits.
Maen Japanese Whisky 8 Year Old is a blended pure malt whisky made from 100% malted barley.
It is distilled in a double copper pot still, aged for 8 years in seasoned ex-bourbon barrels and then meticulously blended.
A celebration of craftsmanship, Maen Japanese Whiskey 8 Year Old is best savored neat or over ice.
Nose: Bright aromas of vanilla, dried apricot, honey and fragrant wood spices.
Palate: Deep layers of vanilla and nuts are highlighted by subtle notes of honey, caramel and sugared almonds. The mouthfeel is exceptionally smooth and the finish is long and creamy. A mellow dram with a complex sweetness.
Maen Japanese Whisky 12 Year Old is an elegant pure malt whisky.
It is distilled in a double copper pot still, aged for 12 straight years in ex-bourbon barrels and then masterfully blended to complete the perfect circle.
A luxurious, limited production whisky for connoisseur's, Maen Japanese Whisky 12 Year Old is best appreciated neat or over ice.
Nose: Alluring aromas of macadamia nut, cocoa powder, baking spices and charred oak.
Palate: Indulgently rich, full and powerful. A smoky and moderate acidity delightfully tempered by the essence of vanilla malt. The finish is divine, offering up lingering notes of black tea and chocolate brownie.
Drawing ensō (the Japanese word for circle) is a disciplined, creative practice of Japanese ink painting. Once the ensō is drawn, one does not change it. It evidences the character of its creator and the context of its creation in a brief, continuous period of time. Traditionally, the circle is drawn with only one brushstroke and is one of the most common subjects in Japanese calligraphy. According to Zen philosophy, when the circle is closed, it represents perfection.
The Maen Perfect Circle logo is made by the hand of Juju Kurihara who is a 5 Dan Japanese calligrapher. She started learning calligraphy at the age of 13. After working as a studio photographer in London and Sydney, she moved to Madrid in 2010 and started working as a calligrapher. She currently runs Sosekido, her calligraphy school in Berlin, as a cultural bridge between Japan and other countries through the art of calligraphy.
2 ounces Maen Japanese Whisky Blend
1 teaspoon Sugar
1 teaspoon Water
3 Dashes of Bitters
Garnish: Orange Peel
In a rocks glass, add sugar, water and bitters. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add Maen Japanese Whisky Blend and stir well. Add one large ice cube. Express the oil of an orange peel over the glass then drop it into the glass.
1½ ounces Maen Japanese Whisky Blend
Chilled Club Soda
Garnish: Lemon Peel
Pour Maen Japanese Whisky Blend into a highbal glass with ice. Fill with chilled club soda. Stir gently no more than 2 or 3 times so as to combine the ingredients without over agitating the bubbles. Express the oil of a lemon peel over the glass then drop it into the glass.
Maen is a registered trademark. Whisky 43% Alc./Vol. (86 Proof). Imported by Shaw-Ross International Importers, Miramar, Florida. Enjoy responsibly.
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