Dewar's Holds Launch Event for New 'Dewar's 12 Year Mizunara' at TOKYO Whisky Library on May 25

Dewar's, the Scotch whisky brand imported by Bacardi Japan and sold by Sapporo Breweries, will release its Japan-exclusive product, 'Dewar's 12 Year Mizunara,' on May 26, 2026.

On May 25, the day before the launch, a press conference was held at TOKYO Whisky Library in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo. Actor Mahiro Takasugi, who stars in the new web commercial, was invited as a guest to showcase the product's appeal through a talk session.

At the event, Li Kunlong, Brand Manager of the Marketing Department at Bacardi Japan, introduced the history of the brand and the product story of 'Dewar's 12 Year Mizunara.' He detailed the background of this Japan-exclusive Scotch, which was developed by Stephanie Macleod, the 7th Master Blender for Dewar's, with a focus on Japanese drinking culture (specifically, highballs).

Mr. Li discussed the brand's history and the smooth taste of its signature double-aging process before introducing the development of 'Dewar's 12 Year Mizunara.' He explained that it was developed to suit Japanese preferences, and that its Mizunara cask aging makes it perfect for soda, designed to be 'completed' with highball mixers.

Following the product presentation, actor Mahiro Takasugi appeared on stage. During the talk session, Takasugi sampled a 'Dewar's 12 Year Mizunara' highball. He enjoyed the scent, noting, 'It has a citrusy, sweet aroma. I feel like it would pair well with a meal.'

When asked about his drinking lifestyle, Takasugi shared anecdotes about enjoying drinks with work colleagues and family. Regarding food pairings for 'Mizunara,' he remarked, 'Since it's a whisky unique to Japan, I think it would go very well with Japanese cuisine.' Regarding the filming of the new commercial, he reflected on the challenges he faced, adding that they suited the theme of 'Journey.'