Gordon Ramsay Restaurant Serves a Legendary Rare Japanese Whisky

by Francis Moses

Monday, 23 March 2026 at 07:15

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Other whiskies are rare, and then there are such bottles. In London, at Lucky Cat restaurant, owned by Gordon Ramsay, the visitors can now enjoy Shirakawa 1958 by the dram. It is priced at 2,300 Pounds, which is the highest among all the whiskies in the menu. To a good number of whisky lovers, this could be one of the only opportunities they will ever have to taste it.

Shirakawa 1958 is a product of the distillery of Shirakawa in Japan, which has been closed down. The location had a history of over 60 years before it was destroyed in 2003. The unique feature of this whisky is that it is the single malt which has been released by this distillery.

Whisky from a closed distillery

The rest of the stock was thought to have vanished over the years. This was altered in 2019 when the managing director of Tomatin, Stephen Bremner, discovered some forgotten casks that were associated with Shirakawa.

The whisky was initially distilled in 1958. It was then transferred into ceramic jars after being aged in casks. It was later stored in stainless steel tanks in the plant of Takara Shuzo in Kyushu, where it remained unopened over decades when the distillery was closed.

Only 1,500 bottles of the Japanese were released in 2022. The bottles had prices of approximately 25,000 Pounds. Specifics like precise age and type of cask are not entirely verified. It is however believed that the whisky was prepared with Japanese malted barley and aged in mizunara oak which is known to give it a special taste.

Due to its history and release, it is frequently called one of the rarest Japanese whiskies in the present day.

What is the flavor of Shirakawa 1958?

Nose: light incense with a touch of light fruit and light grass.
Palate: Balanced and stratified, with fruit aromas slowly accumulating with a hint of spice.
Finish: Light touch of mint with a soft lingering freshness.

The whisky is bottled at 49% ABV.

Where can you try Shirakawa 1958?

Lucky Cat in London is now among the few which sell this whisky by the dram.

The bottle has also been featured following its appearance in a Netflix documentary series titled Being Gordon Ramsay. Even in a single scene, the safety of the shelf on which the whisky is kept was even questioned.

To the few who will part with 2,300 pounds to have a single pour, the experience will provide a unique insight into the history of Japanese whisky.

FAQ

How much is Shirakawa 1958 at Lucky Cat?
It is priced at £2,300 per dram.
What is the quantity of bottles of Shirakawa 1958?
In 2022, there was a release of only 1,500 bottles.
Why is Shirakawa 1958 so rare?
It is a closed distillery product, and the only official single malt that has ever been issued by Shirakawa.