Set in the high tech, intergalactic travelling future, the beloved anime Galaxy Express 999 follows the young Tetsuro Hoshino on his epic journey to the planet Andromeda (on a space steam train named Galaxy Express 999!) in order to avenge his mother. It's a classic coming of age tale of heroism and strength of character, and yet as the story unfolds, fans are made to reflect on deeper, universal topics such as whether immortality is as great as it sounds, what really is love and what it means to be human. As with many of the great anime epics, there's always more than meets the eye, and we find ourselves relating to the characters more than we might think.

And so as two great worlds collide, in collaboration with Toei Animation, South Korea's pioneering Craftbros Brewery and Distillery is releasing a pair of World Malt blends that will feature the 1979 anime Galaxy Express 999! It also appears that Craftbros' whisky ventures will now go under the name Whiskybros.

The pair of Blended Malt Whiskies will be named First Departure (50% ABV) and Long Journey (52% ABV), with both bottled at 500ml, carrying the tagline "Taste the journey, Whisky beyond time. Whisky, the depths of time travel". First Departure is a blend of Scotch whiskies selected by Whiskybros, along with Whiskybros' own Madeira Cask Korean single malt whisky, bottled at 50% ABV. Long Journey is a blend containing local oak cask aged whiskies, bottled at 52% ABV.

According to Whiskybros, "Just like in the animation, Galaxy Express 999 has taken on a long journey through the stars and time, Whiskybros' Galaxy Express 999 Whisky is made with the raw materials of world malt whisky from far away places. The time of maturity adds depth to the flavor of whiskey, the journey, the wait and the encounter that has gone a long way, has brought balance to whiskey. When different journeys meet and understand each other, the taste of whisky is completed and finished as one. Whiskybros' Galaxy Express 999 World Malt Whisky is not the end station but the beginning of a new journey. Taste the journey, Whisky beyond time. The depths of time travel created."

Whiskybros Galaxy Express 999 First Departure, 50% ABV

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fragrant osmanthus, crisp apple, ripe muscat grape

Taste: Sweet plum candy, fresh kiwi, sun-ripened apricot

Finish: Toasted pistachio, soft caramel, a hint of cumin

Whiskybros Galaxy Express 999 Long Journey, 52% ABV

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh eucalyptus, ripe plum, roasted peanut

Taste: Juicy pear, gentle oak, toasted walnut

Finish: Creamy milk chocolate, star anise, a wisp of smoke

Whiskybros First Departure will go on sale from 6th January 2026, priced at 98,000 Won (US$68.10).

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team