Information on the latest release in the Kanosuke Distillery Limited Edition Series has been announced. Available starting February 25, 2026.
This release is a single malt using spirit from the Kanosuke Distillery. Details and more information are introduced.
1. Kanosuke Single Malt 2026 LIMITED EDITION
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The essence of cask finish, where freshness blossomsThe limited edition “Kanosuke Single Malt 2026 LIMITED EDITION” of our flagship whisky, Kanosuke Single Malt, will be released starting Wednesday, February 25, 2026.The fresh fragrance of beach peonies heralding spring at Fukiage Beach and the gentle sea breeze are expressed through a cask finish.The base spirit aged in bourbon barrels was further matured in apple brandy barrels, while the base spirit aged in shochu recharred barrels was further matured in white wine barrels. Both of these further matured base spirits were used as key malts.Multiple sherry cask spirits add depth and complexity to the flavor, while a small amount of peated spirit tightens the overall taste.Furthermore, the “Slow Dilution” technique, which involves a longer water addition process than conventional methods, allows alcohol and water to blend gently, imparting an even greater roundness to the flavor.Light floral aromas unfold, followed by refreshing fruitiness reminiscent of yuzu paste and a rounded sweetness, leading to a long, pleasant finish of grapefruit and sea breeze.Enjoy a luxurious moment while imagining the spring seaside at Kanosuke Distillery.
2. Product Information
| Alcohol Content | 57% |
| Types of Alcohol | Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Types of Barrels |
Bourbon Cask Aged Base Spirit → Apple Brandy Cask Finish |
| Content Capacity | 700ml |
| MSRP | ¥14,850 (tax included) |
| Release Date | February 25, 2026 |
3. Kanosuke Distillery
Kanosuke Distillery commenced operations in 2017.
It is situated on a spacious, approximately 9,000 m² site along Fukiage Beach on the west coast of Kagoshima Prefecture, with its various facilities scattered across the grounds. The main building, a two-story U-shaped structure, houses the distillation equipment, as well as a bar offering great views and a shop stocked with original goods. This makes it a distillery where visitors can experience whisky production up close.
The major feature of the Kanosuke Distillery is that it is equipped with three pot stills. Their capacities are 6,000 liters, 3,000 liters, and 1,600 liters. Globally, two stills are typical for craft distilleries (small-scale distilleries).Whisky is typically distilled twice. At Kanosuke Distillery, during the second distillation (redistillation), different pot stills are used—varying in neck shape and the angle of the upper line arm—to create distinct base spirits with different aromas and flavors.
Currently, there is also a Grain Factory called the Hioki Distillery, which serves as the second distillery.Originally, this distillery produced the “Kozuru” series, the flagship products of Komasa Shuzo, and “KOMASA GIN” is also made at this distillery. Following the Kanosuke Distillery, the Hioki Distillery also obtained a whisky production license in 2020 and began producing grain whisky. Whisky distilled at Hioki has already been sold.
4. Hioki Distillery
| Location | 3309 Hioki, Hiyoshi-cho, Hioki-City, Kagoshima Prefecture 899-3101 |
| Start of Operations | 1883 |
Originally, it began with brewing sacred sake for Hioki Hachiman Shrine and distilled authentic shochu. Today, it manufactures and sells liqueurs, spirits, and whisky. Its flagship brand is the sweet potato shochu “Kozuru” series.
Among these, “Mellow Kozuru” is used in the single malt “Kanosuke” through a unique process of shochu recharred, showcasing our proprietary methods and expertise.
The distillation apparatus is a straight vertical stainless steel still typically used for shochu.
Image source: Kanosuke Distillery official website
The whisky produced in Hioki is “Grain whisky,” but it differs from the continuous stills typically used for grain whisky.
In Hioki , using a pot still for vacuum distillation allows distillation at a lower proof. This results in a robust spirit that retains the distinct flavors derived from the raw materials.
This is truly a “Japanese pot still, ” unique to Komasa Shuzo, a distillery with a long history of shochu production.
Past products from Kanosuke Distillery can be found here↓
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.
