Single malt will finally be released from Niigata Kameda distillery. Ohtani Whisky Zodiac sign series “Pisces”. The first in the series, which is based on the motif of constellations, will be released in mid-March.
This small distillery was built by renovating a part of the warehouse of Otani’s main factory.
Niigata Kameda Distillery’s “New Pot Peated” won the “World’s Best” award in the “New Make & Young Spirits” category and made its name known to whisky lovers.
Finally, after three years of operation in February 2021, the release of a single malt was announced.
1. Niigata Kameda Zodiac sign series “Pisces
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1-1. Product information
OHTANI WHISKY Niigata Kameda zodiac sign series [Pisces] is a single malt whisky made from 100% malt distilled at the Niigata Kameda distillery.
This is our first official release that meets the definition of Japanese whisky.
It is based on the original spirit aged in First Fill Bourbon casks, with accents from several casks, including Sherry casks.
In addition to the characteristic sweetness of First Fill Bourbon cask-aged sake, it has a subtle aroma of ripe fruit-like sweetness and sourness, and you will enjoy the long, gentle, and ever-changing aftertaste that is characteristic of Niigata Kameda Distillery.
Reference: Niigata Kameda Distillery official website
1-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 50% alcohol by volume |
| Sake type | Single malt Japanese whisky |
| Cask type | Bourbon casks, sherry casks, etc. |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | 10,978 yen (tax included) |
| Release date | Mid-March, 2025 |
2. Manufacturer
Niigata Small Scale Distillery Co., Ltd. is a limited liability company established by Otani Corporation, a major seal distributor.
| Location | 1-3-5 Kameda Kogyo Danchi, Konan-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata 950-0141 1-3-5 Kameda Kogyo Danchi, Konan-ku, Niigata City |
| Access | 30 minutes walk from JR Kameda Station |
| Start of operation | March 2019 Distillation starts in February 2021 |
| Official HP | Niigata Kameda Distillery |
3. distillery
Niigata Kameda Distillery
Quote: Facebook
*Citation: Facebook
The distillery was built on the premises of the main factory of Otani Co.
Niigata Kameda Distillery is the first company in Niigata Prefectureto produce authentic Japanese whisky where the raw material, barley, is germinated to distillation .
The distillation machine ismade by Forsyth in Scotland, and the fermentation tanks used for fermenting the wort were initially made of stainless steel and wooden, but they have now been changed to wooden. Production capacity is 30,000 liters per year.
Imported malt from Scotland is used, but currently barley grown in the prefecture is used for brewing. In addition to pot stills, there are also column stills, and the company is considering producing rice whisky using rice grown in the prefecture, as well as rum.
Maturing is done in a special container, which has the effect of warm maturation? The flavor is very rich despite being a new pot, and it has attracted attention, winning the world’s highest award in the New Make &Young Spirits New Make category at the WWA, 2023.
| Location | 20 Kakujita, Yoshide, Yuza-machi, Akumi-gun, Yamagata 999-8302 |
| Start of Operation | 2018 |
For more information about Niigata Kameda Distillery, please also see this article.
4. at the end.
Kameda distillery is going to release a series of products with a constellation motif. Although it is a small distillery, I am curious to see how a single malt can be purchased at a price of about 10,000 yen.
Mr. Douda, the representative of the distillery, says he likes whiskys that are sweet and have a long aftertaste. Does this whisky also embody that? Let’s look forward to it.
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled “Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business” .
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan.
(5). Whiskey Rising
This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found.
