WWA Category Winner, Irish New Star "Hinch" Self-Distilled Whisky Lands in Japan for the First Time

Toko Co., Ltd. (Taito-ku, Tokyo), an importer and wholesaler of alcoholic beverages, will launch two new self-distilled single malts from the acclaimed Hinch Distillery in Northern Ireland. These will be available for a limited time nationwide starting from Thursday, April 2, 2026.

"Hinch Single Malt" received the highest category award, "Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt," at the "World Whiskies Awards (WWA) 2026," the world's most prestigious whiskey competition. With global recognition, its long-awaited release in Japan is finally here. Additionally, the "Peated Single Malt," which revives traditional smokiness for the modern era, will also be introduced simultaneously.

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**1. Hinch Single Malt**

Starting operations in 2020, Hinch Distillery in Northern Ireland proudly presents its single malt made exclusively from its own distilled spirits. Upholding the "Grain to Glass" vision since its inception, the distillery uses 100% Irish barley, including local County Down barley, and manages every step from distillation to maturation and bottling in-house. Shortly after its release, in March 2026, it won the "Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt" at the World Whiskies Awards 2026 (WWA).

ALC.: 43% Volume: 700ml Suggested Retail Price: 4,800 yen + tax Number of Bottles Imported: 180 bottles

【Tasting Notes】 An elegant and well-balanced single malt. Aromas of orange, ginger, and honey. The taste is bright and refreshing, with notes of toffee apple, peach syrup, and biscuits.

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**2. Hinch Peated Single Malt**

This is the first single malt from Hinch Distillery, founded in 2020, using only its own distilled spirits. While Irish whiskey is often perceived as non-peated, smoky whiskies were once widely enjoyed. Today, they are globally rare.