Single malt whisky Ryuka NEW BORN 2025, newly released by Shinzato Shuzo and Suzaki Distillery. Features, price and how to purchase.
The Suzaki Distillery, operated by Shinzato Shuzo Co. will begin distilling in May 2020.“Single Malt Whisky Ryuka NEW BORN 2025” was released．
The ripening process in the subtropical zone of Okinawa is very humid and the angel’s share is approximately 10%.
Last time it was aged 1 year and 3 months in Oloroso sherry barrels and 3 months in Spanish oak barrels for a total of 1 year and 6 months. It won the Japan Grand Prix in the Newborn category at TWSC.
This time, it was released after aging in 1st Fill bourbon barrels and Spanish oak.
１．Photos of bottles and labels
Single malt whisky Ryuka NEW BORN 2025
Single Malt Whisky Ryuka New Born 2025
２．Single Malt Whisky Ryuka NEW BORN 2025 Features
Deepening of Okinawan products Single Malt “Ryuka”
The previous product was characterized by aromas of dried grapes, figs, and roasted nuts derived from sherry casks, as well as a rich, oaky flavor despite its short maturity. This time around, we have turned the tables and pursued the appeal of an authentic whisky by using bourbon casks.
Orange and vanilla aromas derived from bourbon barrels, with a smooth, custard-like sweetness.Spicy nuances such as cinnamon and cloves derived from Spanish oak barrels are added to this, resulting in a simple yet complex flavor with a sense of depth.
４-１．Tasting Notes
| fragrance | Bright fruits such as orange peel, pineapple, ginger syrup, a little almond chocolate. |
| flavor | Vanilla, pink grapefruit, honey, white pepper |
| aftertaste | Bright and lively acidity followed by creamy sweetness that lingers for a long time. |
４-２．Product Specs
| alcohol content (usu. expressed per cent) | 58% |
| distinction by alcohol | newborn |
| cask-type | First fill bourbon barrels, aged in Spanish oak barrels |
| Volume content | 700ml |
| Number of bottles sold | 6,000 bottles |
| MSRP | 11,000 yen (tax included) |
| Release Date | July 1, 2025 |
５．Awards
No awards have been received at this time.
６．List price and online price
６-１．manufacturer’s suggested retail price
| trade (brand) name | Single malt whisky Ryuka NEW BORN 2025 |
| Volume content | 700ml |
| MSRP | Tax: 11,000yen |
６-２．Resale prices on Mercari
Mercantile resale prices is 12,000-15,000 yen.(as of July 2, 2025)
６-３．Yahoo Auction Sold Price
We were not able to confirm any successful bids on Yahoo! Auctions, but there were some listings at a fixed price.(*As of 7/2/2025)
６-４．Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
It is also available at mail order sites for around 12,000 yen.(as of July 2, 2025)
６-５．Prices offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai” operated by this site, one glass is offered at 45 ml: 2,970 yen, 30 ml: 1,980 yen, and 15 ml: 990 yen.
１．Manufacturer
Founded in 1846, Okinawa’s oldest Awamori brewery obtained a license to produce whisky in April 2020, and a 3-year-old single malt has already been released exclusively within Okinawa Prefecture.
| Company Name | Shinzato Shuzo Co. |
| Establishment | 1846 |
| Location of the Agency | 12-17, Suzaki, Uruma City, Okinawa 904-2234, Japan |
| Distilleries owned | Suzaki Distillery |
２．Distillery Information
| Distillery name | Suzaki Distillery |
| location | 12-17, Suzaki, Uruma City, Okinawa 904-2234, Japan |
| Commencement of operations | April 2020 whisky production license obtained |
Established in 1846, Okinawa’s oldest Awamori distillery, Shinzato Shuzo, built the southernmost distillery in Japan.
Licensed to produce whisky in April 2020; production to begin in May.
The currently available “Shinzato WHISKY” is a whisky made by blending overseas blended whisky with a few percent of the so-called “Awamori” spirits from the Shinzato Shuzo, which are aged for 13 years in sherry casks.
In April 2021, the company will release “NEW MAKE Shinzato” distilled in-house.The limited run of 350 bottles sold out immediately.
The pot stills currently in use are used in conjunction with those used to distill Awamori.They currently have three pot stills.Three types of barrels (sherry, bourbon, and Spanish oak barrels) are used for maturation and used for products. After three years of maturation, the whisky has already been sold in Okinawa Prefecture on a limited basis.The company produces the original whisky at the rate of one brewing every day.
Click here for official Instagram
For more information on the Suzaki Distillery, please also see this article.
７．summary
The whisky has a simple structure but a strong core flavor that can be best described as “bright.
When watered down, it has a light and fresh fruit aroma, and when served straight, it has a spicy and slightly chocolaty taste derived from Spanish oak.
Although it has been aged for only one year and six months, the energy and character that this youth brings is one of the charms of this Newborn.
■Other products of Shinzato Shuzo & Shuzaki 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.
