Hishida Distillery (Osaki Town, Kagoshima Prefecture) and Nagahama Distillery (Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture) will release their first-ever collaborative whisky, "Hishida × Nagahama Synergy Blend," on January 27th (Tuesday), limited to 500 bottles. Supervised by Nagahama Distillery's Chief Blender Yaku, this release represents the culmination of both distilleries' expertise and marks a historic milestone in exploring new possibilities for blended Japanese whisky.
This product was born from supplying Hishida Distillery's distinctive aged spirits to Nagahama Distillery, where multiple blending trials were conducted. To further leverage both distilleries' knowledge, Nagahama also supplied spirits to Hishida, where additional blend checks were performed. Under the supervision of Nagahama Distillery's Chief Blender Yaku, the characteristics of both distilleries harmonized beautifully, creating a small-batch product that particularly highlights Hishida's unique grain character. This collaboration addresses production capacity challenges at Nagahama Distillery while contributing to technical advancement at Hishida Distillery. It represents a memorable first step in demonstrating the new potential and direction of blended Japanese whisky.
A Luxurious Blend Using Over 80% Nagahama Distillery Malt
True to its "Synergy Blend" name, the composition is meticulously crafted. The base consists of Nagahama Distillery's globally acclaimed malt spirits, used in a generous ratio exceeding 80%. This is fused with Hishida Distillery's robust grain spirits nurtured in Southern climates. The combination of Nagahama's rich malt character and Hishida's full-bodied grain creates an overwhelming structure that presents new diversity in Japanese whisky.
Product Information
Product Name: Hishida × Nagahama Synergy Blend Blended Japanese Whisky
Release Date: January 27th, 2026 (Tuesday)
Ingredients: Malt (UK origin), Grain (Domestic origin)
Volume: 700ml
Alcohol Content: 47%
Bottling: 500 bottles
Suggested Retail Price: ¥12,000 + tax
Tasting Notes
Aroma
The top note opens with lush tropical fruit aromas reminiscent of ripe banana and pineapple, symbolizing Southern aging. Beneath this, soft red fruit sweetness appears, evoking strawberries and strawberry jam. The richness of chocolate and subtle smoky notes add dimensional depth to the aroma profile.
Palate
The mouthfeel is exceptionally rich, with full-bodied sweetness reminiscent of caramel and butterscotch from new oak casks. While powerful grain spirits provide structural support, delicate spice notes of nutmeg and white pepper emerge as accents, achieving intricate balance with fruity acidity. The finish delivers a powerful, full-bodied conclusion. Spicy stimulation combines with honey-like richness and estery lingering notes that pleasantly persist.
Comments from the Distilleries
Yuu Nakahara, Director of Production Division, Hishida Distillery
Since starting whisky production in November 2022, we faced continuous trial and error with grain whisky production. Three years have passed, and being able to release a whisky worthy of the Japanese whisky name with the help of Nagahama Distillery fills me with deep emotion. As the first step in collaboration between our sister distilleries, Hishida and Nagahama, we hope everyone will enjoy this whisky.
Yusuke Yaku, Chief Blender, Nagahama Distillery
While maximizing the charm each spirit possesses and aiming for greater heights, the encounter with Hishida grain brought us significant discovery. The presence of Hishida's powerful, full-bodied grain nurtured by Southern climate has enabled our blending expressions to achieve unprecedented breadth and new structure. While this endeavor stands at the entrance to vast possibilities, we will cherish Hishida's unique character and continue disseminating new diversity in Japanese whisky to the world.
About Hishida Distillery
Hishida Distillery was newly established in 2022 within Tensei Shuzo, a shochu brewery founded in 1901. It's a malt and grain whisky distillery on Kagoshima's Osumi Peninsula that uses ultra-soft water derived from the Fugendo spring water source, selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Waters of the Heisei Era.
About Nagahama Distillery
Operating since 2016 within the Nagahama Roman Beer facility, this is Japan's smallest-scale craft distillery nurtured by Lake Biwa, Mount Ibuki, and Nagahama's climate. From its alembic-type small pot stills and ultra-thin lyne arms, distinctively rich spirits are produced daily.
