The “CORES. series” from Shindo Distillery in Fukuoka Prefecture will go on sale starting September 12, 2026.
Based on the Experimental series, this is the third installment of the “CORES” series, which pursues a clearer theme and a greater attention to detail.
As Shindo Distillery continues to age its spirits in a diverse range of barrels, this ambitious release focuses on base spirits that have fully blossomed after more than four years of maturation.
1. SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL FOR CORES.03
1-1. Product Information
We at Shindo Distillery will simultaneously launch the single malt Japanese whisky “SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL FOR CORES.03” nationwide on September 12.
Building on the “EXPERIMENTAL” series, the “CORES” series takes these themes to a deeper level, infusing them with even greater dedication and refinement.
For this third installment, we have selected a non-peated spirit aged in new American white oak (AWO) barrels as the key malt.
After four years of maturation, the spirit has developed a refreshing, pleasant green aroma reminiscent of a forest, derived from terpenes.
We have blended this with a total of seven different base spirits—including peated spirits and non-peated spirits aged in Mizunara oak barrels—all of which have been aged further since the previous release.
Centered around a sweet flavor profile, we’ve layered on smoky notes reminiscent of earth and moss, the vibrancy of fruit, and the mellow, settled character that comes with aging.
The flavor profile has a depth that makes you feel as if you were standing in the deep valleys and rolling hills of Scotland.
The result is a bottle worthy of being the latest addition to the “CORES” series.
1-2. Product Specifications
| Product Name | SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL FOR CORES.03 |
| Alcohol Content | 50% |
| Category | Single Malt |
| Ingredients | Malt |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Number of Bottles | Unknown |
| Price | 13,200 (tax included) |
2. About the CORES Series
We at Shindo Distillery have released “SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL FOR CORES. 01 & 02,” our latest single malt Japanese whisky.
Based on our philosophy, “THE QUEST FOR THE ORIGINAL,” we developed the single malt Japanese whisky “SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL 01” in 2025 with the aim of offering the very best we could create at that time, always approaching it as challengers.
Building on that foundation, “SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL FOR CORES” represents the next evolution, crafted with even greater depth and dedication.
True to its name, this release is aimed at the most dedicated whisky enthusiasts, showcasing the unique journey of our challenges.
Quote: SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL FOR CORES 01 & 02 Now Available Nationwide
3. Manufacturer
Shinozaki Co., Ltd.
| Headquarters Address | 185 Hiramatsu, Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture 838-1303 |
| Distilleries Owned | Shindo Distillery, Asakura Distillery |
4. Distillery Information
Shindo Distillery (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.”“We want to pursue not what is commonly found in the world, but what will become the standard of the future,” the distillery states. From raw material processing to saccharification, mash maturation, and distillation, each step is grounded in scientific principles to meticulously construct and weave in the target aromatic components into the base spirit.
As a new project by “Shinozaki,” a long-established brewery in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture—which also produces the amazake brand “Kunigiku,” the barley liqueur “Asakura,” and shochu—the distillery has launched its whisky business. The distillery building was completed in May 2021, and distillation began in August. The distillery uses pot stills manufactured by Miyake Manufacturing.
“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 for an annual shipment volume of 200,000 bottles.
In the future, the company plans to use wood from its own forests to craft the vats used for fermentation and the barrels used for aging.
The company also owns a gin distillery in the same area called Asakura Distillery.
■ Be sure to check out other articles about “Shindo 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.
