The “Travel Series,” in Pursuit of the Perfect Cup The final lineup is now underway.
Kujū Distillery (Company Name: Tsuzaki Shoji Co., Ltd.,Headquarters: Kujū-machi, Taketa-City, Oita Prefecture,Representative: Director Shoji Utoda ) will release “Single Malt Kujū tabi #01,” the first product in its new “tabi” series, on Friday, July 31.
This product is the first in the “tabi” series, which is presented under the theme of “Kujū’s Journey”—a quest to create the ultimate, memorable glass of whisky through new encounters that expand the possibilities of whisky-making.
It marks the final installment of a trilogy following the “Single Malt Kujū” series’ “sora” and “michi” releases.
1. Single Malt Kujū tabi #01
We present this series under the theme of “The Journey of Kujū,” aiming to create a truly memorable and exceptional drink through new encounters that expand the possibilities of Kujū whisky.
We’ll showcase the new charms of Kujū through a well-balanced blend.This latest release, “tabi #01,” is characterized by its “sweet and fruity” profile, with a distinct sweetness that comes through strongly in the initial stages of both the aroma and taste.
The finish features fruity notes and a soft, woody aroma that linger.
Please join us in enjoying these “new encounters” that expand the possibilities of Kujū whisky.
[Product Information]
| Alcohol Content | 53% |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | 12,000 yen (excluding tax) |
| Release Date | July 31, 2026 (Friday) |
2. Blender’s Comments
Yutaka Takeishi, Head of Production and Blender
The third installment in the “Single Malt Kujū” series, “tabi,” is themed around “travel” to further enrich the breadth of Kujū’s flavor profile.
If “michi” represents a single “path” in pursuit of the house style, then “tabi” is a “journey” to expand its variations.
Rather than directly expressing individuality, it aims to showcase a new charm of Kujū through a balanced blend that incorporates a certain amount of base spirits with strong individual characteristics.
The Kujū Distillery has prioritized refining the reproducibility and technical skills necessary to consistently produce a certain level of quality, rather than embarking on major adventures until our style was firmly established.
While we may not be flashy—neither as distillers nor in our products—we hope to deliver bottles that “expand the possibilities” of Kujū, and by extension, Japanese whisky, through our daily challenges and new encounters.
3. Kujū to Date
https://jpwhisky.net/singlemalt-Kujū-first-49951/
https://en.jpwhisky.net/Kujū-sora-2025-2-53461/
https://jpwhisky.net/Kujū-michi-rd26-55555/
4. Summary
Whether it’s a major distillery or a craft distillery, I personally believe that these kinds of experimental efforts also help nurture the next generation of blenders. So, if you have a favorite distillery, I hope you’ll buy and enjoy their products to show your support and help boost the growth of Japan’s craft distilleries.
Warning: Undefined property: stdClass::$access_token in /home/hiddenlounge/jpwhisky.net/public_html/wp-content/plugins/yyi-rinker/yyi_rinker_main.php on line 2322
Warning: Undefined property: stdClass::$access_token in /home/hiddenlounge/jpwhisky.net/public_html/wp-content/plugins/yyi-rinker/yyi_rinker_main.php on line 2322
Warning: Undefined property: stdClass::$access_token in /home/hiddenlounge/jpwhisky.net/public_html/wp-content/plugins/yyi-rinker/yyi_rinker_main.php on line 2322
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.
