Release details for“The Blended,” the first blended whisky from Shindo Distillery in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Information regarding the release of Shindo Distillery’s first blended whisky has been announced.
To make it accessible for a wide range of people to enjoy on a daily basis, the suggested retail price is set at an affordable 5,940 yen.
It also won a Gold Medal in the Japanese Blended Whisky category at ISC 2026.
1. SHINDO The Blended 2026
1-1. Product Information
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Tasting Notes
Vanilla notes, the refreshing, slightly bitter zest of summer mandarin, and a light, floral mouthfeel. The gentle sweetness of barley lingers, blending with a milky, burnt-butter finish to create a blossoming sensation.
Thoughts on the Release
The first release in the “SHINDO” Blended Japanese Whisky series.
Created under the philosophy of “THE QUEST FOR THE ORIGINAL,” this blend was crafted to be enjoyed daily by as many people as possible.In addition to malt whisky produced at the Shindo Distillery, we blended in grain whisky made at the Asakura Distillery using locally sourced barley from Asakura, Fukuoka Prefecture.Within its smooth and approachable palate, the milky character derived from Shindo’s new make and sweet, toffee-like nuances unfold.
You can enjoy its well-balanced flavor, which allows you to fully appreciate its charm not only when mixed with water or as a highball, but also when enjoyed neat.
Source: Product Introduction Postcard
1-2. Product Specifications
Product SHINDO The Blended Alcohol Content Unknown Category Blended Japanese Whisky Content Capacity 700 ml Barrel-aged Unknown Price 5,940 yen (tax included) 
2. Manufacturer
Shinozaki Co., Ltd.
| Headquarters Address | 185 Hiramatsu, Asakura-City, Fukuoka Prefecture 838-1303 |
| Distilleries Owned | Shindo Distillery, Asakura Distillery |
3. Distillery Information
Shindo Distillery (SHINDO DISTILLERY)
| Location | 626-1 Hiramatsu, Asakura-City, Fukuoka Prefecture 838-1303 |
| Start of Operations | 2021 |
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The concept of Shindo Distillery is “THE QUEST FOR THE ORIGINAL.”With the aim of “pursuing not what is commonly found in the world, but what will become the standard of the future,” the distillery produces base spirits by applying scientific principles to each stage of the process—from raw material processing and saccharification to mash fermentation and distillation—to meticulously construct and incorporate the target aromatic components.
As a new project by “Shinozaki,” a long-established brewery in Asakura-City, Fukuoka Prefecture—known for its amazake “Kunigiku,” barley liqueur “Asakura,” and shochu—the distillery has launched its whisky business. The distillery building was completed in May 2021, and distillation began in August. The facility uses pot stills manufactured by Miyake Manufacturing.
“We aim to create a Japanese whisky unlike any other, leveraging our approximately 200 years of sake-making expertise,” they state.
As Fukuoka Prefecture’s first craft distillery, the company aims to ship 200,000 bottles annually.
In the future, the company plans to use wood from its own forests to craft the barrels used for fermentation and aging. The company also owns a gin distillery in the same area called Asakura Distillery.
For more details on Shindo Distillery, please see this article.
Click here for other products from Shindo Distillery
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.
