Ranma 1/2, Inuyasha Creator Gets Special Rom-Com Whisky Release
----- ADS-----
Before creating Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha, iconic manga artist Rumiko Takahashi won reader’s hearts with a humble romantic-comedy series called Maison Ikkoku. In honor of this classic manga, a high-end Japanese whisky label is dedicating two limited-edition liquors to the beloved series.
Initially published in 1980, Maison Ikkoku chronicles the tender love story of a struggling college student and his widowed landlord. The series is widely considered to be a timeless masterpiece and, as of July 2024, has over 200 million print copies in circulation worldwide. Per PR Times, well-known mail order site Whisky Mew recently unveiled details regarding its upcoming MaisonIkkoku-inspired whiskys, both of which are designed to invoke the warm, nostalgic vibes associated with the manga. Notably, these liquors will be available exclusively via customer lottery, with prices ranging between 37,400 yen (US$239.81) to 55,000 yen (US$352.72). Whisky Mew has set the reservation period from Aug. 8-13 (JST) and will select the winners at a later date.
The first liquor — a richly fermented Glen Grant 1998 — originates from one of the “representative distilleries” in Speyside, a region famed for single malt whisky that is infused with “fruit flavors.” The bottle is adorned with an illustration of Kyoko Otonashi, the primary love interest of Maison Ikkoku‘s central protagonist, Yusaku Godai. Using Kyoko as the mascot, Glen Grant 1998 invokes the spirit of Maison Ikkoku with a “moderately woody, fruity taste” and a “complex aroma that changes from coniferous to milky and fruity” as it is consumed. This particular variety of speyside malt was chosen by prominent whisky critic and journalist Hideo Yamaoka. Only 314 total bottles will be available during the lottery period.
----- ADS-----
