[A Remarkable Debut!] Hinokami Distillery's 'HINOKAMI NEW BORN #1' Wins the 'Japan Grand Prix' (New Born Category) at TWSC2026!

Hinokami Distillery's first external release, 'HINOKAMI NEW BORN #1', has been awarded the 'Japan Grand Prix' in the New Born category at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026 (TWSC2026), the highest honor for Japanese craft whisky. This follows its success in winning the Highest Gold Award in the New Born Spirits category. Additionally, it received the Best Category Award for New Born Spirits, marking a double honor at one of Japan's largest competitions.

'HINOKAMI NEW BORN #1' embodies the 'elegant origin' of Hinokami Distillery. It is a vatting of six carefully selected bourbon barrels, combining the freshness of young spirit with mellow sweetness reminiscent of honeyed apples, cinnamon pie, and cream. Notably, the addition of 1ppm of peat adds delicate smoke and depth, leaving a refined, quiet finish like the remnants of a bonfire.

Hinokami Distillery is the southernmost whisky distillery on the Japanese mainland. It is a rare facility worldwide that includes malt and grain production buildings, warehouses, and an on-site cooperage. The visitor center, which opened on January 15, 2026, offers a unique tasting experience in an anechoic chamber and the 'RED bar' with views of Mt. Kaimon.