The Yuza Japanese Single Malt – 1st Edition marks the highly anticipated debut from the Yuza Distillery, one of Japan’s youngest and most promising whisky producers. Founded in 2018 on the coast of Yamagata Prefecture, this distillery embodies the philosophy of “small is beautiful”, producing whisky in limited quantities with meticulous precision. The 1st Edition is Yuza’s inaugural single malt bottling, symbolizing the beginning of a new era in Japanese whisky. Delicate yet complex, it captures both the purity of its coastal terroir and the refinement of Japan’s whisky-making artistry.

Product Details:

Brand: Yuza | Category: Japanese Single Malt Whisky | ABV: 61% | Edition: 1st Edition | Origin: Japan (Yamagata Prefecture) | Volume: 700ml

Tasting Profile:

Nose: Bright and elegant with aromas of green apple, pear, honey, and subtle malt sweetness. Hints of vanilla cream, sea breeze, and gentle oak emerge with time.
Palate: Smooth yet powerful. Flavors of orchard fruit, white chocolate, and barley malt glide over a rich texture. Notes of citrus zest, light spice, and toasted oak develop gracefully as it opens.
Finish: Long, clean, and refined with lingering sweetness, subtle minerality, and a touch of coastal salinity.

Production Details:

Distilled in small copper pot stills at Yuza Distillery, located between the Sea of Japan and Mount Chōkai, this whisky benefits from pure local spring water and a cool, humid coastal climate ideal for slow maturation. Aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, it is bottled at a robust 61% ABV, unchill-filtered, and natural in color. Each bottle is a testament to Yuza’s commitment to monozukuri, the Japanese pursuit of perfection through craftsmanship.

Perfect For:

Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts seeking the next chapter in Japanese whisky. A contemplative dram for slow appreciation, best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to reveal its intricate layers.

Expert Notes:

Whisky critics have hailed the Yuza 1st Edition as “a promising debut that rivals Japan’s established houses.” Its balance of fruit, oak, and maritime freshness showcases the distillery’s precision and potential. Many note it as one of the most exciting new Japanese releases in years.

Customer Reviews:

“Bright, youthful, and elegant, a glimpse into Japan’s whisky future.”   Kenji M.
“Incredible balance for a first release. Clean fruit, soft oak, perfect texture.”   Robert L.
“Collectible and drinkable, this sets a high bar for emerging distilleries.”   Sarah W.

Interesting Fact:

The Yuza Distillery was founded by Kinryu Corporation, originally a sake producer, drawing on generations of fermentation expertise. Its location near Mount Chōkai known as the “Dewa Fuji”, provides pristine water and a cool maritime breeze that mirror conditions of Scotland’s coastal distilleries.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve neat in a tulip glass to appreciate its freshness and balance. Add a few drops of water to unlock notes of pear, honey, and citrus. Pair beautifully with sushi, sea salt chocolate, or roasted almonds for a refined tasting experience.

Distillery Background:

Opened in 2018, Yuza Distillery is a boutique operation in Yamagata Prefecture, focused entirely on single malt whisky. Every step, from mashing to cask selection, is performed by hand in small volumes. Guided by Scotland’s traditions but rooted in Japanese precision, Yuza aims to produce whisky that reflects the purity of its coastal environment. The 1st Edition stands as its inaugural statement, a whisky of elegance, promise, and craftsmanship that defines the next generation of Japanese distilling.