Takara Shuzo International, owner of Tomatin Distillery in Scotland, has announced the worldwide launch of Kurokabegura New Make Spirit – a highly limited early preview of the forthcoming Kurokabegura single malt Japanese whisky.
Distilled at the Kurokabegura Distillery in Takanabe-cho, Miyazaki, Japan, the spirit offers whisky enthusiasts a first glimpse of the character that will define the brand’s future single malt releases. Bottled at 63% ABV, it comes in a slim, premium 200ml glass decanter adorned with Japanese brushwork calligraphy (shodo).
Described as opening with sweet aromas of raisins, banana and honey, the new make delivers a deep, lingering maltiness on the palate.
A Legacy of Excellence
Kurokabegura Distillery has been producing whisky since 1982, building on Takara Shuzo’s long-standing reputation in Japanese shōchū production. Its copper pot stills were crafted by McMillan Coppersmiths in Scotland and installed in 1979, following the design of the historic Shirakawa Distillery.
Although Shirakawa closed in 2003, its whisky-making legacy lives on through Kurokabegura. In 2019, Tomatin’s Stephen Bremner uncovered a long-forgotten parcel of Shirakawa whisky, leading to the release of the Shirakawa 1958 – now considered the earliest known and rarest single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled.
Craftsmanship and Vision
Takahiro Shimizu, Executive Officer at Takara Shuzo International, highlighted the company’s expertise:
“Kurokabegura Distillery has a dedicated cooperage where each cask is carefully managed, restored and prepared. This close attention allows the whisky to mature under expert care and achieve its finest character. Our new make release is testament to the high quality of our spirit.”
Stephen Bremner, Managing Director at Tomatin Distillery, added:
“We’re seeing an increasing number of whisky enthusiasts purchasing new make in anticipation of how it will evolve in the future, and I have no doubt Kurokabegura will surprise and delight in equal measure.”
Availability
Kurokabegura New Make Spirit is priced at £34 per 200ml bottle and is available now via the Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre and the Tomatin online shop. It will also be available at The Whisky Show, Old Billingsgate, London (3–5 October 2025).
- Purchase here: tomatin.com/shop
- Learn more: tomatin.com/kurokabegura
- About Takara Shuzo: takara-intl.co.jp/en
