Yoshida Denzai Distillery Wins Gold at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026

Yoshida Denzai Distillery (Murakami, Niigata), operated by Yoshida Denzai Kogyo, is the first distillery in Japan dedicated exclusively to grain whisky.

▪ Award Summary

[GOLD WINNER] A masterpiece reflecting the unique technology and dedication of the distillery has received the prestigious Gold Award. Detailed product information will be announced at a later date. Product: Yoshida Denzai Distillery Single Grain 1-year 2nd

[SILVER WINNER] Product: Yoshida Denzai Distillery Single Grain 1-year 2nd Made primarily with Hokkaido corn, balanced with rye malt. Aged in virgin American white oak casks for a rich aroma and powerful taste. - Ingredients: Corn 70% (Hokkaido, Japan), Rye Malt 15% (Imported), 2row Malt 15% (Imported) - Fermentation: 3 Days - Cask: Virgin American White Oak Cask - Maturation: 1 year - ABV: 55% - Price: 3,600 JPY (excl. tax) [Aroma] Banana, vanilla, citrus peel, jasmine. Over time, notes of plum-like acidity and jammy sweetness. [Flavor] Pronounced spiciness supported by underlying sweetness. Tart citrus, rich bitterness, and a crisp, light finish.

[BRONZE WINNER] Product: Yoshida Denzai Distillery Single Barrel Rye 1-year A rare single-barrel whisky bottled from a single cask (#429), unusual for Japanese whisky. - Ingredients: Rye Malt 90% (Germany), 2row Malt 10% (Germany) - Yeast: Lallemand DM-GW - Fermentation: 3 Days - Column Stages: 3 and 7 stages - Cask Filled: 2023.07.08 - Cask: Virgin American White Oak #429 - Maturation: 1 year - ABV: 54% [Aroma] Kumquat, orange, vanilla, hints of peach and mint. Evolving into caramel and almond tofu-like sweetness. [Flavor] Apple, peppery spice, refreshing herbs. Rounded bitterness on a foundation of sweetness. Festive yet light finish.

About the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC): Selected by the TWSC Executive Committee, the 'Best Distillery of the Year' award is given to the most active distillery of the year based on production, buzz, and innovation. With most of the over 100 craft whisky distilleries in Japan focusing on malt whisky, our achievement as a producer of craft grain whisky has caused considerable surprise and excitement in the industry.