Review of Newborn from the Takazo Distillery, which was restored after 60 years from a fire, by Meiri Sake Brewery Co. in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
The whisky production at the Meiri Shuzo, which began in 1952 with the passion of Kato Takazo but was abandoned due to a fire, has resumed for the first time in 60 years.
During that time, the brewery continued to refine its techniques, producing sake, shochu, gin, etc., while refining not only fermentation but also distillation techniques.
What kind of whisky is being made again?
1. Photo of the bottle and label
TAKAZO REBORN AGED 1 YEAR PLAM WINE CASK FINISH
TAKAZO REBORN AGED 1 YEAR PLAM WINE CASK FINISH
2. TAKAZO REBORN AGED 1 YEAR PLAM WINE CASK FINISH
Takazo Distillery proudly presents NewBorn “TAKAZO”.
We have concentrated all the knowledge of Meiri Shuzo, which has been in business for more than 160 years, and matured New Pot with a refined taste obtained by tripling the amount of yeast and more than doubling the fermentation period since the beginning.
The blend is composed mainly of the original sake from the “plum wine barrels” in which the flagship product of Meiri Sake Brewery, Hyakunen Umeshu, was aged.
The aroma is light with plums, and the taste starts with raisin-like sweetness and ends with a spicy flavor.
2-1. Tasting Notes
| Aroma | Fruity and acidic aroma of strawberry and white peach, vanilla and cinnamon. |
| Taste | Fruit candy, acidity close to plum, sweet spice like Nikki after taste |
| Aftertaste | Sweetness leaves, fruit tartness to plum-like acidity, spice feeling leaves at the end. |
2-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 50% alcohol by volume |
| By Sake | Single Malt Newborn |
| Cask type | Plum wine cask finish |
| Content volume | 200ml |
| Number of bottles sold | 5,730 bottles |
| Suggested retail price | 3,520 yen (including tax) |
| Release date | October 1, 2024 |
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 | TAKAZO REBORN AGED 1YEAR PLAM WINE CASK FINISH |
| Capacity | 200ml |
| Suggested retail price | 3,520 yen (tax included) |
4-2. Resale price on Mercari
Resale price on Mercari could not be confirmed at present. (*As of October 8, 2024)
4-3. Yahoo Auction Sold Price
Sold prices on Yahoo! Auctions could not be confirmed at this time. (*As of October 8, 2024)
4-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
We could not confirm at present on Amazon and other mail order sites. (*As of October 8, 2024)
4-5.Prices offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai” operated by this site, we offer small quantities such as 45ml per glass: 3,300 yen, 30ml: 2,200 yen, and 15ml: 1,100 yen.
5. About Takazo Distillery
| Head Office | Meiri Brewery Co. |
| Address | 338 Motoyoshidamachi, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0836, Japan |
| Access | By car: 15 minutes from the Mito Minami Interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway. |
General liquor manufacturer Meiri Shurui Co., Ltd. obtained a license to produce whisky on September 26, 2022. However, the company actually started making whisky in 1952, but the whisky license was returned due to an accidental fire at the factory about 60-odd years ago. Since then, the company had given up whisky production.
After many twists and turns, in 2022, the company reopened the “Takazo Distillery” as a craft distillery made by human hands to match the scale at the time of reopening, and has been in business ever since.
Mito is a “water city” with a rich vein of water surrounded by the Naka River and Lake Senba. The magnesium-rich water that comes from underground is one of the most important elements for whiskey making. The rich bounty of nature seems to be pumped up carefully and unchanged every day.
The distillers at Takazo Distillery are not only particular about water and barley, but also about research and development of yeast, which is important for determining the flavor, day and night.
6. Summary
There have not been many plum wine casks in the past, and there have not been many that could be used as a reference for production. However, we feel that this very fruity, 60-year revival is a great start.
I don’t think it has matured out of the cask yet, but in this state, drinking it straight and as is is the best way to enjoy its charms.
How will the current lovely sweetness and acidity change as it ages?
The future of this newborn is very exciting.
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.
