Introducing a non-peated single malt whisky that carries on the legacy of Yamaga Distillery’s “Yamaga The First.”
Yamaga Distillery Co., Ltd. (Headquarters:Kaoumachi, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture, President and CEO: Masafumi Hombo) will release a new non-peated single malt Japanese whisky on Thursday, October 8, 2026— its first such release in about a year.
1. Single Malt Japanese whisky Yamaga 2026 Edition
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Alcohol Content | 55% |
| Suggested Retail Price | 11,000 yen (tax included) |
| Release Date | October 8, 2026 |
A non-peated single malt whisky that carries on the legacy of “Yamaga The First,” whose concepts are “Elegant” and “Fruity & Creamy.”
“Yamaga 2026 Edition” is characterized by the sweet, pastry-like notes derived from bourbon barrels—a trait inherited from “Yamaga The First”—and the depth created by the layered barrel aromas.
Furthermore, we sought to achieve the richness and smoothness that come from extended aging.
When sipped, a gentle sweetness slowly spreads across the palate, leading to a pleasant finish.
Please enjoy a quiet, luxurious moment, much like the glow of a Yamaga lantern.
[Tasting Notes]
Aroma: Fragrant apple aromas emerge from a sweet, toasty scent reminiscent of a freshly baked apple pie.
This is layered with the gentle, sweet scent of vanilla.
Taste: The elegant sweetness of fruit, reminiscent of a fruit tart, combined with a mellow and rich flavor reminiscent of custard cream.
Finish: A pleasant bittersweet caramel flavor reminiscent of baked custard, followed by a deep, sweet, and lingering aftertaste like apple compote.
2. About Yamaga Distillery
Completed on November 6, 2021. It is the first whisky distillery in Kumamoto Prefecture.
 |
 |
Operations began in 2013. Its parent company is MCA Holdings (Tokyo), which was established following the spin-off of the alcoholic beverages business and other divisions from South Kyushu Coca-Cola Bottling (now Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan).Although the distillery initially produced shochu, it shifted its production to whisky following this development. With technical support from its affiliate, Hombo Shuzo (Kagoshima City), it plans to release its first single malt in 2025.
The distillery is projected to have an annual production capacity of 150 kiloliters, with sales of 40,000 to 50,000 bottles.
The distillery was built on the site of the former shochu factory. It is a two-story steel-frame structure (total floor area: 1,257 square meters) equipped with a 4.6-meter-tall bulged pot still. It uses high-quality deep groundwater from the Kunimi Mountain Range and the Kikuchi River watershed.
The 1,043-square-meter aging warehouse features a rack system capable of storing up to 3,300 barrels, each with a capacity of approximately 200 liters. The facility also includes a viewing gallery where visitors can observe the production process and a lounge for tastings.
The total construction cost was approximately 1.1 billion yen.
At the 2025 Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC 2025), “YAMAGA NEW BORN 2024” and “Yamaga Distillery New Pot #6” won gold medals.
Click here for more information about the distillery ↓
Click here for other Yamaga Distillery products ↓
3. Summary
Yamaga Distillery just released a peated whisky on July 3.
Despite the recent difficult situation in Kumamoto, I have nothing but deep admiration for their commitment to continuing releases as usual.
Distillery tours are also operating as usual, so it would be a great idea to visit the distillery—partly as a way to show support for Kumamoto.
By the way, Yamaga also offers limited-edition mini bottles—such as those aged in chestnut barrels—that are only sold at the distillery. Be sure to check them out when you visit.
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.
