Every distillery has its turning point. For Asaka, this was it. Yamazakura “The First” isn’t just a debut, it’s a declaration. As the distillery’s first official single malt, it carries the weight of legacy and the thrill of reinvention. Meticulously crafted, elegantly layered, and deeply collectible, this is modern Japanese whisky with old soul.

Yamazakura “The First” Japanese Single Malt Whisky
Brand: Yamazakura | Category: Japanese Single Malt | ABV: 61% | Origin: Japan (Fukushima) | Vol: 700ml

Tasting Profile
Nose: Floral honey, citrus peel, and orchard fruits drift above polished oak and a hint of green tea.
Palate: Bold and textured, apple compote, vanilla bean, ginger, and elegant spice carried by a rich, oily body.
Finish: Long and commanding, warming oak, white pepper, and lingering fruit sweetness echo with precision.

Production Details
Distilled at the Asaka Distillery, one of Japan’s smallest and oldest craft distilleries, “The First” was aged primarily in bourbon casks, then bottled at a natural cask strength of 61%. It’s non-chill filtered and uncolored, preserving every drop of its original character. This is the first full single malt release from Asaka, a historic milestone.

Perfect For
Collectors. Purists. Those chasing rare moments in whisky. This bottle belongs on the top shelf, opened only when the occasion calls for something worthy of remembering.

Expert Notes
Critically acclaimed in Japan and abroad, “The First” received praise for its maturity far beyond its age. It’s seen as a breakout moment for new-generation Japanese whisky, bold, authentic, and refined.

Customer Reviews
🗨 “The depth at 61% is unreal. Intense, but beautifully structured.”
🗨 “One of the few ‘first releases’ that actually feels finished.”
🗨 “Tasted it blind, guessed it was Yamazaki. That’s how polished it is.”

Interesting Fact
Asaka Distillery was originally founded in 1946 but it wasn’t until decades later that it returned to making whisky. “The First” marks the rebirth of a post-war spirit through modern craftsmanship.

Serving Suggestions
Sip neat to feel its full intensity. Add a few drops of water to open the fruit and floral tones, a must for appreciating its bourbon-cask complexity. Pairs beautifully with roasted chestnuts, wagashi, or buttery shortbread.

Distillery Background
Asaka Distillery sits in Fukushima Prefecture, surrounded by rivers and mountains that shape its pure water source. After years in the shadow of bigger names, it’s now stepping into the spotlight, not with marketing muscle, but with the kind of whisky that speaks for itself. “The First” is more than a bottle. It’s a legacy in the making.