Takara Shuzo launches Kurokabegura New Make Spirit in the UK

Here’s something that’ll pique your interest – Takara Shuzo International has just brought Kurokabegura New Make Spirit to UK shores, and it’s our first taste of what promises to be an intriguing addition to the Japanese whisky landscape.

This new make comes from the Kurokabegura distillery down in Takanabe-cho, Miyazaki, courtesy of Takara Shuzo – the same folks behind the historic Shirakawa Distillery. What we’re looking at here is essentially a preview of their upcoming single malt, bottled at a robust 63% ABV in rather elegant decanters adorned with traditional Japanese shodo calligraphy.

The flavour profile’s quite compelling – you’re getting rich, sweet aromatics loaded with raisins, banana, and honey, followed by that deep, lingering maltiness we all appreciate. Previously, this was a Japan-only affair, but now it’s available globally through Tomatin’s online shop.

Now, here’s where the story gets properly interesting. Kurokabegura’s been making whisky since 1982, but their copper pot stills – crafted by Scotland’s own McMillan Coppersmiths back in 1979 – were actually designed to mirror those at Shirakawa distillery. That’s the same Shirakawa that shuttered in 2003, but whose legacy lives on through this setup.

The connection deepens when you consider Stephen Bremner’s detective work. Tomatin’s managing director became obsessed with Takara Shuzo’s whisky history, eventually tracking down a forgotten parcel of Shirakawa stock in 2019. That discovery led to the 2022 release of Shirakawa 1958 – arguably the earliest and rarest single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled.

What’s particularly noteworthy is Takara Shuzo’s approach to maturation. With 85 different shōchū expressions under their belt and their own cooperage at Kurokabegura, they’ve got serious wood management credentials. That expertise should translate beautifully into their whisky program.

The spirit’s available now at £34 for a 200ml bottle through Tomatin’s visitor centre and online shop. You’ll also be able to sample it at The Whisky Show at Old Billingsgate from 3-5 October. Given the increasing appetite for new make among enthusiasts wanting to track a whisky’s evolution, this could be one worth getting your hands on.