Hinokami Distillery in Makurazaki, Kagoshima, is releasing HINOKAMI NEW BORN #2, a limited-edition new-born whisky featuring the distillery's first-ever use of sherry cask spirit. The release follows the well-received HINOKAMI NEW BORN #1 from October 2025 and will be available nationwide from April 17, 2026, in a run of just 3,000 bottles.
A New Chapter: First Sherry Cask Vatting
The defining feature of HINOKAMI NEW BORN #2 is the inclusion of sherry cask-matured spirit blended alongside bourbon barrel whisky for the first time. According to distillery Chief Blender Minori Momota, the goal was to layer the brightness and vibrancy established in #1 with the concentrated richness that sherry casks bring.
Momota's tasting notes describe the whisky as follows:
The juiciness of honey apple, pear, and yellow peach, alongside the brightness of sun-drenched rapeseed flowers.
Sherry cask-derived dry berries and raisins add depth to the layers.
A playful quality of marshmallows toasted over a bonfire, with a burst of mint and lime peel freshness.
Led by that pleasant sensation, soft notes of milk chocolate give way to smoked salt nuts, oil leather, and clove emerging in stages.
A gentle peat reminiscent of the Makurazaki sea breeze arrives, dissolving into a beautifully long, elegant finish.
The coexistence of youthfulness and lingering finish — a new step toward elegance.
Product Specifications
- Name: HINOKAMI NEW BORN #2
- ABV: 50%
- Ingredients: Malt
- Volume: 200ml
- Suggested retail price: ¥3,500 (excl. tax)
- Limited quantity: 3,000 bottles
- Release date: April 17, 2026 (Friday)
About Hinokami Distillery
Located in Makurazaki, Kagoshima, Hinokami Distillery holds the distinction of being the southernmost whisky distillery on Japan's main islands. The facility produces both malt and grain whisky and includes production buildings, barrel warehouses, and an on-site cooperage (barrel-making workshop) — an extremely rare combination even on a global scale.
A visitor center opened on January 15, 2026, offering unique experiences including tasting sessions held in an anechoic room — a specially designed space that eliminates echo — and the "RED bar," where guests can enjoy whisky while taking in panoramic views of Mt. Kaimondake, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, and the Makurazaki fishing harbor.
Visitor Center Information
- Address: 388 Hinogami Kitamachi, Makurazaki City, Kagoshima
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Closed: Every Wednesday
- Admission: Free (distillery tours include a tasting fee and require advance reservation)
- Distillery tour schedule: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM / 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM (two sessions per day, reservation required)
- Tour reservations: Available via the brand website booking form
HINOKAMI NEW BORN #1 — The First Release
HINOKAMI NEW BORN #1, released on October 7, 2025, was the distillery's debut bottling, characterized by fresh fruitiness, sweetness from ale yeast, and a delicate 1 ppm peat nuance.
The whisky went on to win "Category Winner" in the Young Spirit category of the Japanese New Make & Young Spirit division at the World Whiskies Awards 2026 — the highest evaluation among all Japanese entries in the category.
