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A review of the second single malt produced at SHINDO LAB. at the “Shindo Distillery” in Fukuoka Prefecture.
“Shinozaki” is a long-established sake brewery in Fukuoka Prefecture with a history dating back to the Edo period. In August 2021, the company began operations at the “Shindo Distillery.”
True to the name “SHINDO LAB.,” the distillery pursues innovative, scientifically grounded methods for crafting its base spirits.
1. Photos of the bottle and label
SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL 02
Shindo Experimental 02
2. Features of SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL 02
1. About the “EXPERIMENTAL” Series
- The “EXPERIMENTAL” series symbolizes Shindo Distillery’s new challenges.
“EXPERIMENTAL” means “experimental.”With the utmost respect for the pioneers of Japanese Whisky, we—as humble challengers—named this series “EXPERIMENTAL” based on the belief that “it would be presumptuous to call this a ‘finished product.’ Instead, we aim to present the very best we can offer at this moment.”
- 2. About “EXPERIMENTAL 02”
- The embodiment of Shindo Distillery’s dedication
- Blends Maturing Over Time
- Our Roots
We developed “EX02” based on the three themes outlined above. Shindo Distillery’s commitment lies in crafting a rich, sweet new make and aging it in a diverse range of casks. “EX02,” the second release in the EXPERIMENTAL series, faithfully expresses this commitment while clearly demonstrating our evolution.
Regarding the second theme, “Spirits Maturing Over Time”: Approximately eight months have passed since the release of “EX01” in June 2025. During that time, our spirits have continued to mature in an even wider variety of barrels, marking the passage of time.
While “EX01” deliberately expressed the charm of new make through a simple barrel composition (*1), “EX02” uses these more matured base spirits in a vatting process to impart even greater breadth and depth to the charm derived from the new make.
All of the base spirits used are unpeated, with 89% aged in bourbon barrels, 6% in Oloroso sherry barrels, and 5% in brandy barrels.
A vibrant burst of ester aromas. Refreshing nuances of dry fruit with just the right amount of toasty character. And the milky, fatty, and toffee-like nuances derived from the lactones found in new make. The contours of the flavor profile have become clearer, and its character has become richer.Regarding the third theme, “Our Origins” Meticulously crafted new make is the very core of Shinmichi Distillery, and this series is designed to progressively and more deeply express that value. In “EX02,” the allure of new make truly lives on within the layers of flavor and aroma enhanced by maturation.Even as we evolve, our origins remain unwavering. We are reexamining the fundamental values of Japanese Whisky and sharing them with the world. This bottle embodies that commitment through its flavor.
We hope you’ll sense where we stand today and the possibilities that lie ahead.
2-1. Tasting Notes
| Aroma | European pear cheesecake, mango and passion fruit jelly, a hint of cinnamon |
| Taste | Mixed berry tart, crepe with browned butter |
| Finish | Milky and smooth, with a bittersweet flavor reminiscent of baked goods |
2-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol Content | 48% |
| Category | Single Malt Whisky |
| Cask Types | 89% Bourbon casks, 6% Oloroso sherry casks, 5% Brandy casks |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Number of Bottles Sold | Limited Edition |
| Suggested Retail Price | 14,300 yen (tax included) |
| Release Date | February 27, 2026 |
3. Awards
No awards have been received to date.
4. List Price and Online Prices
4-1. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
| Product Name | SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL 02 |
| Content Capacity | 700 ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | 14,300 yen (tax included) |
4-2. Resale Price on Mercari
Resale prices on Mercari include listings at the list price. (*As of July 16, 2026)
4-3. Winning Bid Price on Yahoo! Auctions
On Yahoo! Auctions, items have been sold for around 9,000 yen. (As of July 16, 2026)
4-4. Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping, and Amazon
The product is also sold for around 15,000 yen on online shopping sites. (As of July 16, 2026)
4-5. Prices at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai,” operated by this site, we also serve smaller portions, such as45 ml for 4,290 yen, 30 ml for 2,860 yen, and 15 ml for 1,430 yen.
5. Manufacturer
Shinozaki Co., Ltd.
| Headquarters Address | 185 Hiramatsu, Asakura-City, Fukuoka Prefecture 838-1303 |
| Distilleries Owned | Shindo Distillery, Asakura Distillery |
6. Distillery Information
Shindo Distillery
| Location | 626-1 Hiramatsu, Asakura-City, Fukuoka Prefecture 838-1303 |
| Start of Operations | 2021 |
Shindo Distillery’s concept is “THE QUEST FOR THE ORIGINAL.”“Rather than producing something ordinary, we want to pursue what will become the new standard,” the distillery states. From raw material processing to saccharification, mash fermentation, and distillation, each step is grounded in scientific principles to meticulously construct and weave in the target aromatic components into the base spirit.
A particularly noteworthy aspect is the “yeast” the new make produced using our proprietary yeast carries the lactone aroma that is a hallmark of Shinmichi. Furthermore, we use pressed yeast airlifted from Scotland—a practice that is rare even in Japan.
They employ an exceptionally meticulous production process: producing two types of new make using different yeasts, blending them, and then casking the result—a method that is extremely rare.
Shinozaki, a long-established distillery in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture—which also produces the amazake “Kunigiku,” the barley liqueur “Asakura,” and shochu—has launched a new project focused on Whisky. The distillery building was completed in May 2021, and distillation began in August. The distillery uses pot stills manufactured by Miyake Manufacturing Plant.
“We aim to create a Japanese Whisky unlike any other by leveraging our approximately 200 years of sake-making expertise,” the company states.
As Fukuoka Prefecture’s first craft distillery, the company plans to begin shipping its products in three years. It aims to ship 200,000 bottles annually.
In the future, the company plans to use wood from its own forests to craft the barrels used for fermentation and aging.
The company also owns a gin distillery in the same area called Asakura Distillery. Currently, grain Whisky made with locally grown barley is produced there, and Japanese blended Whisky made from a blend of Shindo Distillery and Asakura Distillery is also produced.
For more details on the Shindo Distillery, please see this article.
7. Summary
Compared to Experimental 01, this one feels more mature and smoother.
The 01 had a fresher impression. The 02 retains the milky nuances and buttery, toasty aroma characteristic of Shindo, while also offering a nuance reminiscent of a carefully crafted confection (perhaps due to the barrel composition?).
Another plus is that it’s versatile and enjoyable no matter how you drink it. Chilling it brings out the bitter notes, while adding water brings out the milky, sweet nuances.
Another plus is that the price is a bit more reasonable compared to recent craft whiskys.
They now also sell blended Whisky, allowing you to enjoy Japanese blended Whisky at an affordable price.
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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.
