Niigata Kameda Distillery launches new Zodiac Series release. This time, the label depicts a Capricorn man. Reviewing the second installment.
1. Bottle and Label Photos
Ohtani Whisky Zodiac sign series “Capricorn”
Ohtani Whisky Zodiac sign series “Capricorn”
2. Ohtani Whisky Zodiac Sign Series “Capricorn”
This is a single malt distilled at the Niigata Kameda Distillery.
Peated malt is the primary ingredient, resulting in a flavor profile that balances a robust smokiness with a gentle, refined sweetness.Aged primarily in first-fill bourbon casks, with sherry cask spirits blended in for accent. The smoky aroma is layered with nutty and gentle fruity nuances, creating a deep, expansive aroma.
On the palate, rich peat notes harmonize comfortably with mellow malt sweetness, leaving a long, quietly lingering finish.
This is a unique expression from the Zodiac Sign Series, embodying the image of **Capricorn**—a sign that holds strength within its steadfastness.
This is a whisky meant to be savored slowly over time.Following the packaging design of the first release, “Pisces,” this release also features diverse motifs connected to Niigata Prefecture.
The package design, continuing from the first release “Pisces,” is composed to form a complete picture when placed side by side.
Through the constellations to be released in the future, we will continue to express the diverse charms of Niigata.
2-1. Tasting Notes
| Fragrance | Smoked wood chips, capers, pineapple, baked apple |
| Taste | Smoked almonds, ginger syrup, chocolate-vanilla mix, dried figs |
| After taste | After the smokiness, a long-lasting acidity and roasted sweetness |
2-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol Content | 50% |
| Types of Alcohol | Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Cask Type | Mainly peated spirit, Bourbon casks, Sherry casks |
| Content capacity | 700ml |
| Number of Bottles Sold | Unknown |
| MSRP | ¥10,978 |
| Release Date | December 2025 |
3. Awards
No awards have been received at this time.
4. List Price and Online Price
4-1. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
| Product Name | Ohtani Whisky Zodiac Sign Series “Capricorn” |
| Content capacity | 700ml |
| MSRP | ¥10,978 (tax included) |
4-2. Resale Price on Mercari
Resale price on Mercari could not be confirmed. (As of 2025/12/24)
4-3. Yahoo! Auctions Winning Bid Price
Currently not listed on Yahoo! Auctions. (As of 2025/12/24)
4-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
Retail sites like Amazon are selling at list price . (As of 2025/12/24)
4-5. Price at BAR Shinai
At “BAR Shinkai,” operated by this site, we offer small portions such as45ml: ¥2,970, 30ml: ¥1,980, and 15ml: ¥990.
5. Manufacturer
Niigata Small-Scale Distillery Co., Ltd. is a limited liability company established by Ohtani Co., Ltd., a major seal manufacturer.
| Location | 〒950-0141 1-3-5 Kameda Kougyodanchi, Konan-ku, Niigata-City |
| Access | 30-minute walk from JR Kameda Station |
| Start of Operations | March 2019; Distillation began February 2021 |
| Official Website | Niigata Kameda Distillery |
6. Distillery
Niigata Kameda Distillery
※Source: Facebook
※Source: Facebook
In 2018, as part of the “Niigata Innovation Program” hosted by Nomura Securities Niigata Branch and others, a team of three companies including Ohtani Co., Ltd. presented a business plan for craft whiskey production. This plan was realized when the business launched in March 2019, with the distillery constructed on the grounds of Ohtani Co., Ltd.’s main factory.
Niigata Kameda Distillery is the first companyin Niigata Prefecture to produce authentic Japanese whisky , handling the entire process from germinating the barley to distillation .
The stills are made by Forsyth of Scotland. Initially, two types of fermentation tanks were used for fermenting the wort: stainless steel and wooden vats. It appears that wooden vats are now used exclusively. Distillation began in March 2021. Production capacity is 30,000 liters per year.
While imported Scottish malt was initially used, the distillery now uses locally grown Niigata barley for mashing. Additionally, alongside pot stills, column stills are also present, with plans to produce rice whiskey using locally grown Niigata rice and to manufacture rum.
Maturation occurs in dedicated containers. Does this provide a warming effect? The flavor is very rich despite being new make. It has garnered attention, winning the World’s Best Award in the New Make category at the 2023 WWA (World Whisky Awards) New Make & Young Spirits competition.
| Location | 1-3-5 Kameda Kougyodanchi, Konan-ku, Niigata-City, 950-0141 |
| Start of Operations | March 2019 |
For more details on Niigata Kameda Distillery, please see this article.
7. In Conclusion
As a single malt in the ¥10,000 range, the smoky character it offers is frankly excellent value for money.
The sweet backbone characteristic of Kameda Distillery, derived from bourbon and sherry casks, is layered with just the right amount of smoke, resulting in a well-balanced finish.
This is a bottle worth trying at least once, not only for those interested in smoky types but also for those who don’t usually drink peated whiskys.
Other products from Kameda 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.
