The latest release from Yamagata’s Yuza Distillery, YUZA 2024, reviews Yuza Distillery’s evolving line of classic single malts. Features, flavors, and product information.
1. Manufacturer
Kinryu Co.
For a long time since its opening, the distillery has mainly manufactured shochu, and it was only in 2018 that it obtained a license to manufacture whisky.
The company’s signature shochu product, “Sou”, has a diverse lineup, including one made with locally grown rice from Shonai and another blended with long-stored shochu.
Click here to see the lineup of Kinryu Co.
| Established | April 1950 |
| Head office location | 180-1, Kusakariyachi, Kuromori, Sakata-shi, Yamagata 998-0111 |
| Owned distilleries | Yuza Distillery |
2. Distillery
Yuza Distillery
The Yuza Distillery is the third whisky distillery in the Tohoku region, and was established in Yuza-machi, Yamagata Prefecture in 2018 by Kinryu Co.
Yuza-cho is blessed with fresh, clean air and water from Mt. Chokai, which has been selected as one of the “100 best water towns” in Japan, and is ideal for producing top-quality whisky.
The pot stills used are made by Forsyth, and five fermentation tanks are made of Canadian bay pine. The process and aging methods are also based on Scottish methods, with young whisky not being casked, and only whisky that has been fully matured to its satisfaction is produced, focusing only on single malts. Because it is a small distillery that cannot mass-produce whisky, they go to great lengths in every detail to produce the highest quality whisky with the utmost care.
Yuza Distillery Whisky
“TLAS” conceptThe whisky produced at Yuza Distillery is based on the concept of “TLAS,” which stands for
Tiny, Lovely, Authentic, and Supreme.
The concept of the distillery is “TLAS”, which stands for the initials of the above.The Yuza Distillery is a very small distillery for a whisky distillery, with a site area of approximately 4,550 square meters and a distillery area of approximately 620 square meters. The exterior of the distillery may look small and cute, but the whisky produced here is authentic and of the highest quality. While using traditional production methods, the distillery also has a Japanese style of “monozukuri” (craftsmanship), which makes it a one-of-a-kind Japanese whisky.
Quote from Yuza’s official website
Image source: Yuza Distillery official website
| Location of Yuza Distillery | 20 Kakujita, Yoshide, Yuza-machi, Akumi-gun, Yamagata 999-8302 |
| Start of operation | 2018 |
For more information about Yuza Distillery, please refer to this article.
3. Product name and photo
YUZA 2024
YUZA 2024
4. Characteristics
YUZA 2024 is a single malt Japanese whisky that can be considered the “origin” of Yuza Distillery’s house style.
The original whisky is carefully selected from those matured in bourbon casks. It is characterized by its clean, fruity taste and sweet, vanilla-like flavor.“YUZA 2024” has evolved and gained depth through maturation. Please enjoy it as a “staple” of the Yuza Distillery.
Reference: New Product Information (yuza-disty.jp)
4-1. Tasting Notes
| Aroma | Aroma of apple pastry, fresh acidity, cream cookie |
| Taste | vanilla, menthol, rose acidity, full-bodied sweetness for maple |
| Aftertaste | Sourness leaves, vanilla flavor and sweetness remain. |
4-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 51% |
| Distinction by alcohol | Single malt Japanese whisky |
| Cask type | Mainly bourbon casks |
| Content Volume | 700ml |
| Number of bottles sold | Not announced |
| Suggested retail price | 13,750 yen (tax included) |
| Release date | July 24, 2024 |
5. Awards
No awards received at this time.
6. Price
6-1. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
| Product name | YUZA 2024 |
| Capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | Tax included: 13,750 yen |
6-2. Resale price on Mercari
There are currently no confirmed resales on Mercari. (*As of July 24, 2024)
6-3. Sold price on Yahoo! Auctions
There are currently no confirmed resales on Yahoo! Auctions. (*As of July 24, 2024)
6-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
It is already on display and can be purchased for slightly more than the list price. (*As of July 24, 2024)
6-5. Prices offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai” operated by this site, we offer small quantities such as 1 glass, 45ml: 4,920 yen, 30ml: 2,860 yen, 15ml: 1,430 yen, and so on.
7. Summary
The aroma of fresh rosacea fruits was particularly impressive. Vanilla is well represented in the flavor, and the aroma and taste are exemplary of whisky made from bourbon barrels.
The soft flavor that is typical of Yuza is retained, and the thickness that can be enjoyed even when watered down is also appealing.
■Please check out other articles about “Yuza 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.
