Small-batch single malt, single cask, cask strength Kyoda by Helios Shuzo in Okinawa, Japan. Includes product features and reviews.
This is the first new arrival of the single malt Japanese whisky “Kyoda Single Cask” from Helios Shuzo and Kyoda Distillery in two years.
The concept is to “enjoy the individuality of the cask to the fullest.
Until now, it was only sold at events and directly-managed stores, but the limited online sale of 50 bottles is back, and it seems to have already sold out. It was sold out immediately, but it has been re-sold several times after the online store sold out, so if you missed it, you can get a “restocking alert”.
1. product name and photo
Kyoda Single Cask Sherry Cask Finish Cask No.4605
Single Cask Kyoda Sherry Cask Finish Cask No.4605 
2. characteristics
Kyoda Distillery’s 3rd “Single Cask” Sherry Cask Finish
Malt whisky made from English peat malt, brewed and distilled at the Kyoda distillery in 2020, and matured in oak casks for 3 years, then one cask carefully selected by Master Blender Shigetomo Terukina was aged by the wood finish method.
The cask used for aging was a special Oloroso sherry cask that our Chairman, Ryo Matsuda, personally visited Spain, the home of sherry, and encountered.
The cask strength is non-chill-filtered and non-colored, reflecting our commitment to the Helios shuzo “Kyoda Brand.
We hope that everyone who has been waiting for the third release in the Kyoda Single Cask series will enjoy this product.
We hope you will take this opportunity to enjoy the unique character of Cask No. 4605.
Reference: Helios Shuzo online store
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2-1. Tasting Notes
Aroma Fig, red wine cork, old paper, honey plum, chocolate banana Taste Salted lemon, smoked pineapple, cloves and nutmeg, oaky Aftertaste Tropical wet sweetness and aroma, saltiness and smoke linger for a long time. 2-2. Product Specifications
Alcohol Content 59.7% (alcohol by volume) By Sake Single Malt Japanese whisky Cask Aged Matured in oak casks, followed by aging in Oloroso sherry casks Volume 700ml Number of bottles sold Unknown. Limited to 50 bottles in the online store. Suggested Retail Price 17,600 yen (tax included)
3. Awards
No awards received at this time.
Price
4-1. Suggested Retail Price
| Product name | Kyoda Single Cask Rum Cask Finish |
| Capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested retail price | Tax included: 17,600 yen |
4-2. Resale price on Mercari
No resale price on Mercari could be confirmed. (*As of 1/29/2025)
4-3. Yahoo Auction Sold Price
Yahoo Auction does not appear to have any listings at this time. (*As of 1/29/2025)
4-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
Mail order sites listed the item at 16,000 yen. (*as of 1/29/2025)
4-5. Price offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai” operated by this site, it is offered in small quantities such as 1 cup, 45ml: 4,950 yen 30ml: 3,300 yen, 15ml: 1,650 yen .
5. Manufacturer
Helios Shuzo Co.
| Established | 1961 |
| Head office location | 405 Aza Kyoda, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0024, Japan |
| Owned distillery | Helios Shuzo Distillery |
6. distillery
Xuden distillery
| Location | 405, Kyoda, Nago City, Okinawa 905-0024, Japan |
| Start of operation | 2016 (whisky production resumed) |
Helios Shuzo, which currently holds six licenses to produce alcoholic beverages, has developed a wide variety of products under the motto of “a sake entertainer rooted in the community” in its pursuit of sake brewing that will last for a hundred years.
The first thing we are particular about in sake brewing is water. In search of abundant nature and clean water, the company found Kyoda, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture, where it has been brewing sake since ancient times. Surrounded by the ancient Yanbaru forest, Kyoda has been called the “water city. The rain that falls in the forest soaks deep into the earth, storing minerals in the soil, and is slowly released into the river over a long period of time. Helios Shuzo sake is brewed using pure, natural water from the upper reaches of the river that runs behind the Shuzo.
The representative product is ” Kura,” an old Awamori sake, which has been a long-seller for 30 years since its launch in 1991.
The company also sells a whisky called “Kura” with the same name.
History
1961: Taiyo brewing established in Naha City. Produces rum made from Okinawan sugarcane.
1963 Begins production of whisky
1969 Company name changed to Helios Shuzo Co.
1972 Head office and factory relocated to current location in Kyoda, Nago City
1991: Utilizing the barrel-aging technology cultivated in the Western-style alcohol business, the company launched Kura, an oak barrel-aged Awamori.
We are a Shuzo with a long history. For a detailed history of the company, click here.
Image exhibit: Helios Shuzo official website
For more information about the Xudian distillery, see also here ↓.
7. Summary
This distillate has a very complex and rich composition with a good amount of peat and a very tropical sherry character. The sherry finish seems to match the unique tropical atmosphere of the original distillate, the climate, and the aging environment.
The number of bottles produced is not large, so it is rare to have a chance to drink it, but it is one of the distilleries that many people should try.
We will keep an eye on their future releases.
Please take a look at other articles about “Kyoda” as well.
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.
