By SATOSHI SHINDEN/ Staff Writer
March 28, 2025 at 16:54 JST
Facing a declining domestic sake market, rice wine maker Hakkaisan Brewery Co. will launch its first-ever whisky, made primarily from rice instead of traditional malted barley.
The new product, "Hakkaisan Single Grain Uonuma 8-Year Rice Whisky 2025 Limited," will hit the market on April 1.
The whisky has been aged for eight years at the company's distillery in Minami-Uonuma, Niigata Prefecture, utilizing local spring water and sake yeast. The region is a traditional producer of rice wine.
The resulting spirit has a distinct sweet aroma, reminiscent of vanilla and flowers, according to the company.
As sake consumption continues to decline in Japan, Hakkaisan Brewery is focusing on expanding its portfolio amid the growing demand for whisky, gin and other distilled spirits.
The company aims to increase the share of distilled spirits in its sales from the current 10 percent to more than 25 percent.
The new rice whisky will be available in a limited release of 2,500 bottles, with a tax-included price of 13,200 yen ($87) for a 700-milliliter bottle.
It will be sold through a public lottery, with additional distribution to select liquor stores and bars.
In addition to the distillery in Minami-Uonuma, where the company is based, Hakkaisan Brewery has also begun producing whisky at its distillery in Niseko, Hokkaido.
The liquor maker is considering creating a blended whisky by combining whiskies from both distilleries.
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Hakkaisan Brewery Co.’s first whisky, made primarily from rice, will soon hit the shelves. (Provided by the company)
