A distillery that has come back to life after 60 years.
We take a closer look at the present-day distillery embodied in a single drop of undiluted spirit.
Whisky production at Meiri Shuzo—which began in 1952 thanks to the passion of Takazo Kato but was abandoned due to a fire—has resumed for the first time in 60 years.
“Takazo the First” is the distillery’s first Japanese single malt Whisky, crafted exclusively from malt spirits that were fermented, distilled, and aged at the Takazo Distillery in Mito City after distillation resumed in 2022.
This product is a blend of three types of base spirits: primarily plum wine casks, along with bourbon casks and Pineau des Charentes casks.
Two versions are available from the same blend: a standard version at 48% ABV and a CASK STRENGTH version bottled without dilution.
In this article, we’ll explore the unique character of this whisky—from its flavor and aroma to the distinct personality it conveys in every glass.
1. Photos of the bottle and label
Takazo the First CASK STRENGTH
Takazo the First CASK STRENGTH
2. Takazo the First CASK STRENGTH
At Takazo Distillery, we use a variety of barrels to age our Whisky, including Japan’s unique Mizunara oak barrels, as well as bourbon, sherry, port, and rum barrels. Among these, the most distinctive are the “plum wine barrels” used to age Meiri Liquor’s flag ship product, the 100-Year-Old Plum Liqueur.
Maturation in barrels imbued with the rich aroma of plum wine creates a fruity flavor profile unique to Japan.
Drawing on the expertise of Meiri Liquor, which produces 600 different products, we craft whiskys rich in character.
Takazo the First CASK STRENGTH
This limited-edition release is bottled without dilution using the same blend of base spirits, preserving the depth, fruitiness, and finish inherent to the original spirit.
Although it has been aged for three years and still has the characteristic initial alcohol kick of malt whisky, this landmark release allows you to directly experience its youthful vigor and the aromas and flavors derived from the cask.
We recommend enjoying it by adding water using the included dropper.
《What is “Pinot de Charente Cask”?》
Pinot de Charente Cask is a sweet, wine-like spirit made by blending grape juice with Cognac and aging the mixture. It is primarily produced in the Cognac region and is a type of fortified wine.
Pino de Charente comes in white, red, and rosé varieties, with the white version being particularly popular in Japan. It is produced by blending unfermented grape juice with Cognac and then aging the mixture.
2-1. Tasting Notes
| Aroma | Ripe plums, raspberry pie, vanilla, and woody notes |
| Taste | Custard, dried apricot, and a strong spicy note reminiscent of pepper on the finish |
| Finish | Starts with a sweetness reminiscent of fruit and custard, gradually becoming drier, and finishes with a powerful spicy note |
2-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol Content | 61% |
| Category | Johnny’s Single Malt Whisky |
| Barrel Types | Plum wine casks, bourbon casks, Pineau des Charentes casks |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Number of Bottles Sold | 500 bottles |
| Suggested Retail Price | 16,500 yen (tax included) |
| Release Date | October 16, 2026 |
3. Awards
There are no awards listed at this time.
4. List Price and Online Prices
4-1. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
| Product Name | Takazo the First CASK STRENGTH |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | 16,500 yen (tax included) |
4-2. Resale Price on Mercari
We confirmed that the resale price on Mercari was 32,800 yen. (*As of October 22, 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 October 22, 2026)
4-4. Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping, Amazon
We were unable to find “Takazo the First CASK STRENGTH” on online retailers such as Amazon.
We were able to confirm that “Takazo the First” is available for around 12,500 yen. (As of October 22, 2026)
Only a few items remain, so please purchase soon.
4-5. Price at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai,” operated by this site, we offer drinks in small portions, such as 45 ml for 4,290 yen, 30 ml for 2,860 yen, and 15 ml for 1,430 yen.
5. About Takazo Distillery
| Headquarters | Meiri Liquor Co., Ltd. |
| Address | 338 Motoyoshida-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture 310-0836 |
| Directions | [By Car] Approximately 15 minutes from the “Mito-Minami IC” on the North Kanto Expressway |
Meiri Liquor Co., Ltd., a comprehensive alcoholic beverage manufacturer, obtained a Whisky production license on September 26, 2022.However, the company had actually begun producing Whisky in 1952 but surrendered its Whisky license approximately 60-odd years ago due to an accidental fire at its factory. Since then, the company had ceased Whisky production.
After many twists and turns, in 2022, the company relaunched “Takazo Distillery” as a craft distillery where every step is done by hand, scaled to match the size at the time of its original founding, and it continues to operate today.
Mito is known as the “City of Water,” surrounded by the Naka River and Lake Senba and blessed with abundant water sources. The water that springs from the ground, rich in magnesium, is one of the essential elements for Whisky production. It seems they continue to carefully draw this bountiful gift of nature every day, without fail.
True to their motto, “The finest Whisky begins with a commitment to the fundamentals,” the artisans at Takazo Distillery focus not only on water and barley but also tirelessly conduct research and development day and night on yeast—a key factor in determining the final flavor.
6. Summary
Japanese whiskys aged in umeshu casks are extremely rare, even within Japan.
Its flavor profile features a vibrant aroma reminiscent of ripe fruit, combined with the depth of malt and a youthful vigor, followed by a lingering spiciness and woody nuances in the finish. Because it is an undiluted spirit with an alcohol content of 61%, this bottle offers a distinct character and energy derived from the raw spirit itself—a quality that sets it apart from watered-down whiskys.
Unlike standard whiskys, one of its charms is the ability to enjoy how its character changes as you add water—whether served on the rocks or neat.
The dedication poured into this whisky-making—which has resumed after a long hiatus—is palpable. When you consider its history and the care that went into it, the glass before you may take on a slightly different meaning.
A Whisky that has taken a step forward from the past into the future.
Please be sure to enjoy a glass at BAR Shinkai.
https://jpwhisky.net/takazo-first-60843/
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.
