The Current State of the Single Grain Produced by Yoshida Denzai Distillery. Exploring the Flavors and Character Brought Out by Two Years of Aging!
Produced by the Yoshida Denzai Distillery—operated by Yoshida Denzai Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Taito-ku, Tokyo, Distillery: Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture)—this single grain whisky is made primarily from Hokkaido-grown dent corn and aged for two years in new oak barrels.
1. Photos of the Bottle and Label
Yoshida Denzai Distillery Single Grain Star-Delta 2Y
Yoshida Denzai Distillery Single Grain Star-Delta 2Y
2. Characteristics of Single Grain Star-Delta 2Y
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This 700ml full-size bottle is made primarily from Hokkaido-grown dent corn and aged for two years in new oak barrels. We aimed to create a smooth, well-balanced profile with a multi-layered finish by layering the aromas, flavors, and aftertaste derived from the new oak barrels over the unique character of the raw ingredients, using expert blending techniques.
The name “Star-Delta” is derived from the “star-delta connection,” a transformer wiring method manufactured by Yoshida Denzai Kogyo.
Rather than simply adding elements such as aroma, flavor, and finish, we have reworked them into a single cohesive framework. We designed this bottle to reveal a more refined character as you drink it, culminating in a light, crisp finish.
Additionally, the bottle features a unique aluminum cap designed in collaboration with Yoshida Denzai Kogyo’s Machining Department. We perform the laser marking in-house and pay meticulous attention to every detail—from the way the edges are rounded to the surface that touches your hand and how the cap fits your fingers when twisted—infusing the precision of our craftsmanship into the very act of opening and closing the bottle.
The Second-Year Masterpiece, Expressed Through New-Barrel Aging
New oak barrels allow aromas and flavors to develop more readily, producing a well-defined taste even with relatively short maturation periods. The Yoshida Denzai Distillery recognized this characteristic and viewed the two-year maturation period not only as the first step toward further aging but also as a finished product meant to be enjoyed right now.
“Star-Delta 2Y” is deliberately presented in a full 700ml bottle. Please enjoy the unique character of new-oak barrel aging and the potential of grain whisky.
2-1. Tasting Notes
| Aroma | Caramel, corn flakes, baked goods, banana, and a hint of citrus peel |
| Taste | Vanilla cream, castella cake, with a spicy note reminiscent of white pepper on the finish |
| Finish | Dry wood, toasty grains, a relatively light finish |
2-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol Content | 53% |
| Category | whisky |
| Barrel Type | New American White Oak Barrels |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Number of Bottles Sold | Unknown |
| Suggested Retail Price | 8,800 yen (tax included) |
| Release Date | August 8, 2026 |
3. Awards
Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) 2026 – Gold Medal
4. List Price and Online Price
4-1. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
| Product Name | Yoshida Denzai Distillery Single Grain Star-Delta 2Y |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | 8,800 yen (tax included) |
4-2. Resale Price on Mercari
The resale price on Mercari is not currently listed. (*As of August 13, 2026)
4-3. Winning Bid Price on Yahoo! Auctions
We were unable to confirm the winning bid price on Yahoo! Auctions at this time. (As of August 13, 2026)
4-4. Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping, and Amazon
On online shopping sites, the item is sold for 9,900 yen. (As of August 13, 2026)
Even on Amazon and Rakuten Ichiba, the number of units available for sale is extremely low, highlighting the item’s high rarity.
4-5. Prices at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai,” operated by this site, we serve it at the following prices: 45 ml for 2,640 yen, 30 ml for 1,760 yen, and 15 ml for 880 yen.
5. About the Manufacturer
Yoshida Denzai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
| Established | 1940 |
| Headquarters Address | 3-43-6 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0016 |
| Distilleries Owned | Yoshida Denzai Distillery |
6. About the Distillery
Yoshida Denzai Distillery
The distillery is the “Yoshida Denzai Distillery,” located in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture.
| Address | 344-1 Yazuta, Murakami-City, Niigata Prefecture |
| Start of Operations | 2022 |
The Yoshida Denzai Distillery, which is dedicated to producing grain whisky in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, is a distillery founded by Yoshida Denzai Kogyo, a company established in 1940.Having long been involved in the design and manufacture of industrial and medical equipment, the company has entered the whisky production industry by leveraging the “manufacturing” expertise and quality control philosophy it has cultivated over the years.
Yoshida Denzai Distillery aims to explore new possibilities for grain whisky. While grain whisky is generally known as a base spirit used in blended whiskys, this distillery focuses on the unique character of the grain itself and strives to create whiskys that stand out on their own.
After obtaining a whisky production license in 2022, the distillery began full-scale distillation. As Japan’s first distillery dedicated exclusively to craft grain whisky, it is engaged in the research and development of base spirits using a variety of grains, including Hokkaido-grown corn, rice, buckwheat, and rye.
For distillation, the distillery uses hybrid stills manufactured by KOTHE of Germany. By finely adjusting distillation conditions, they produce base spirits tailored to the characteristics of the raw materials and the desired flavor profile. The water used for mashing is groundwater from the Arakawa River, which flows through Murakami City, where the distillery is located.
Furthermore, with the goal of eventually producing whisky made from 100% Japanese-grown grains, we are working in partnership with domestic farmers to cultivate the grains used as raw materials.
Building on the technical expertise and commitment to quality unique to a company with a manufacturing background, the Yoshida Denzai Distillery specializes in grain whisky. By leveraging Japan’s climate and the potential of domestically grown grains, we aim to create a Japanese whisky unlike any other.
■ Annual Production Volume: 100 kL (equivalent to 62 degrees)
■ Major Equipment: 1 crusher, 1 mash tun (5 kL), 1 fermentation tank (5.8 kL), 1 distillation still (Kothe hybrid still, 5 kL), 1 dehydrator
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Source: Yoshida Denzai Distillery website
7. Summary
“Yoshida Denzai Distillery Single Grain Star-Delta 2Y” harmonizes the gentle sweetness derived from Hokkaido-grown corn with vanilla and toasty nuances from new-oak barrel aging. After more than two years of aging, this whisky offers a light and refreshing mouthfeel that belies its 53% ABV, making it a truly appealing bottle.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that aging in new American white oak barrels for over two years means it meets the criteria to be labeled “Straight Bourbon” under U.S. standards. Not only can you enjoy the soft sweetness unique to grain whisky and the rich, barrel-derived flavors, but this bottle also builds anticipation for how its flavor will evolve with further aging!
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.
