Hishida

History

• Hishida Distillery emerged as a whisky production division at the same site as the existing sake brewery, and began operations in November 2022 (the setup of the whisky distillery). The distillery is run by Kagoshima-based Tensei Shuzo Co., Ltd, which has been in business for over 120 years.

• Background of the site: Sadanobu Matsunaga I founded a sake brewery in Hishida in 1901; in 1954 Sadao Matsunaga III established a joint-stock company. The distillery's site has historically occupied the same grounds, and the company is now expanding its portfolio to whisky to reach both Japanese and international enthusiasts.

• Aspiration for the first official bottle and launch: The first official bottle, Hishida Distillery Newborn Prelude I, was announced and put on sale in March 2025.

Production

• Production methods: Whisky is produced as both malt and grain whisky in the same distillery, which was previously used for potato shochu. The distillery uses a copper-hybrid still and has an 'early drop distillation' method, enabling production of both malt- and grain-whisky.

• Water and raw materials: Whisky is brewed with Hishida water from Fugendo Spring, which is ultra-soft and has been selected as one of the '100 best water sources' in the Heisei era. Malt (British and German) and grain (local) are used, and both non-torrefied and peated malt are tested.

• Unique techniques and processes: Fermentation lasts about 5 days; the copper-hybrid still enables production of both malt- and grain-whisky. Their approach includes using ultra-soft water to achieve a soft and smooth flavor profile; the 'early drop distillation' method is noted as part of the company's newer techniques.

• Annual production: Not stated in the available information.

Whisky Products

• Hishida Distillery Newborn Prelude I (700 ml, 47% ABV, 3,000 bottles, suggested retail price 5,000 yen + tax). This is the distillery's first official release, a 'new-born' blended whisky consisting of malt- and grain-alcohol, aged for less than three years and crafted under the supervision of Yusuke Yahisa, chief blender at Nagahama Distillery.

Tasting Notes

• Prelude I – color: clear amber/golden; aroma: sweet and fresh apple pastry, cinnamon and grapefruit, with nostalgic notes of cigars, tea leaves and leaves; palate: rich dark chocolate edges and oak notes; finish: sweet vanilla finish that lingers.

Events and News

• Launch of the first official bottle: Hishida Distillery Newborn Prelude I went to market on March 11, 2025.

• Crowdfunding/News: In 2024, Hishida Distillery's project 'The Former Tanoura Junior High School Matured Warehouse Project' was announced as part of a crowdfunding initiative (May 14, 2024). The project aims to revitalize a local area and establish a maturation warehouse.

Company Philosophy and Values

• Focus on quality, craftsmanship and innovation, with the aim of delivering spirits loved in Japan and internationally. The distillery emphasizes the use of Hishida-sourced ultra-soft water and a blend of malt- and grain-whisky, under careful supervision to ensure a soft, rounded, and appealing flavor profile.