Shizuoka Distillery Unveils its First Whiskies With a Boldly Distinctive Finish

Tuesday, 17 February 2026 at 10:35

Something special is happening in Japan. The Shizuoka Distillery is about to release two whiskies with an exceptionally local finish. These Japanese single malts have been finished in sake casks.

The Shizuoka Distillery is known for its strong focus on provenance. That takes on a whole new meaning with the two upcoming single malt whiskies. The distillery normally uses ex-bourbon American oak casks, but this time they’re taking a different path.

Whisky with a touch of sake

For the new release, the Japanese distillery teamed up with a local sake brewer. Shizuoka supplied a number of Octave casks, which were then used to mature sake.

The casks were subsequently returned to the distillery and filled with 5-year-old whisky. After a 14-month finish, they were bottled as a pair of uniquely distinctive single malt whiskies.

What are the two Shizuoka sake-finished releases?

The first release, Cask No. 2919, is made from 100% unpeated Japanese barley and was distilled in Pot Still K. Its tasting notes include aromas of green apple and pear, honey, and vanilla.

On the palate you’ll find juicy apple and a balanced interplay of sweet and tart. The whisky is bottled at 53.2% ABV.

The second release is Cask 2899. This whisky is made from 100% peated barley and comes from Pot Still W. The tasting notes feature ripe apple and orange, a light citrus bitterness, vanilla, and caramel.

On the palate, expect concentrated orange, toasted grains, and a flavor reminiscent of brown sugar. This whisky is bottled at 52.9% alcohol by volume (ABV) and is priced at 19,800 yen.

Where can you buy these two unique Japanese whiskies?

Both bottles are distillery exclusives. If you want one, you’ll need to travel to Japan and visit the distillery. The suggested retail price is 19,800 yen per bottle (roughly 110 euros). The release is limited, though the exact number of bottles has not been disclosed.

Discover more about Shizuoka here

FAQ

What is Shizuoka Distillery known for?
The distillery is renowned for its strong emphasis on origin, the use of Japanese barley, and traditional production methods with different pot stills.
Which pot stills does Shizuoka use?
Shizuoka works with Pot Still K and Pot Still W, among others, each producing its own style of spirit and creating clear flavor differences between releases.
Where is Shizuoka Distillery located?
The distillery is in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture at the foot of the Japanese Alps, a region celebrated for its pristine water sources and natural beauty.