For years folks around Japan have whispered about how Kuju Distillery is going to be the next big thing. Well, here's the distillery's first real test - Kuju has just released its debut Japanese single malt whisky, Kuju The First!

Going back to why the Oita Prefecture Kuju Distillery has gotten so much hype from folks in the Japanese whisky scene, this all comes down to one Shoji Utoda, who is the founder of Kuju Distillery.

Utoda-san is none other than the man behind one of the most exciting whisky festivals in Japan, Whisky Talk Fukuoka. Every year, thousands of whisky fans show up at Whisky Talk Fukuoka for a taste of some of the best whiskies internationally and domestically, with big excitement over the lineup of commemorative festival bottlings. These whiskies specially selected and bottled by Utoda-san for the festival have made their reputation on being ahead of the curve, and was early to feature the cult favourite Chichibu and Hanyu Japanese whiskies.

And so it's not question that Utoda-san is a man of great taste and experience when it comes to whiskies - and so with Kuju, it's no surprise then that fans believe that he will be able to produce some incredible whiskies himself.

| [Deep Dive] Kuju Distillery: Having Created Whisky Talk Fukuoka, Shoji Utoda Still Dreams Of Making Whisky

The distillery became operational in early 2021, after fighting against the delays brought on by the Covid pandemic, and as of 2025, has now produced whiskies that have clocked sufficient age to be bottled.

And thus we have Kuju The First.

This first expression from Kuju Distillery is said to be fruity in taste, with a refreshing herbal aroma, and has been bottled at cask strength of 58% ABV, with a total of 11,000 bottles released. The whisky was aged in a combination of Bourbon, refill and Sherry casks, and is said to be representative of Kuju Distillery's signature style moving forward, characterised by green fruits just before ripeness, the sweetness of malt and a complex, well-structured flavour profile.

"We want to make whiskey that suits the location, but I think the real test of our skill is figuring out how to brew it. We hope that you will enjoy the aroma, and then savor the rich, full-bodied flavor of our whiskey after drinking it." said Utoda-san.

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: A slightly deep shade of gold.

Flavor: Green fruits approaching full ripeness, pear, black tea, flowers, citrus, sunlit grass, and brand-new wooden furniture.

Taste: Rich malt sweetness, juicy fruitiness, ripe kiwi, lemon peel, and meringue pie.

Finish: A well-balanced sweetness and acidity that lingers with a slightly oily mouthfeel.

"Releasing our first single malt was definitely a big goal for us. But at the same time, it is only the first step in our long journey as a distillery. We quietly face the nature of this land, believing in the power of careful handiwork and the accumulation of time, and work on whisky making every day.

We believe that whisky is not just a luxury item, but an expression that connects the memories and culture of the land and the activities of the people to the future. Going forward, we will continue to walk the never-ending path of craftsmanship, as if asking questions, without forgetting our admiration and gratitude for the culture of Kuju, the history of whisky making, and the predecessors who protected it.We aim to be a presence that allows you to gently feel the breeze and tranquility of this land, transcending time and place, through a glass of whisky."

Kuju The First is priced at 15,200 Yen (US$106.75) for a 700ml bottle.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team