New Additions to the Animal Collector Series
Kirishima Yokogawa Distillery, located in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, announces the release of two new single malt whiskies timed with National Cat Day on February 22, 2026. The "Kirishima Newborn Munchkin" (300ml) and "Kirishima Newborn Shiba Inu" (300ml) join the Animal Collector Series with their charming animal-themed designs.
These new releases feature blends of four barrel types (sherry cask, bourbon cask, red/white wine cask, and mizunara cask) that create a smooth, fruity flavor profile. The adorable cat and dog characters bring warmth to everyday moments.
Nurtured in Kirishima's Forest Environment
Surrounded by deep forests, pure air, and crystal-clear water, Kirishima's tranquil natural setting provides the ideal aging environment. The whiskey matures slowly in this peaceful forest, developing rich character from the gentle temperature variations at approximately 300 meters elevation.
These two new members of the Animal Collector Series embody Kirishima's distinctive character while offering light, gentle flavors that complement daily relaxation moments.
Product Details
Single Malt Whiskey Kirishima "Elegant Cat Munchkin"
Based on sherry cask's rich sweetness with bourbon cask's soft vanilla notes, this expression incorporates mizunara cask's sandalwood-like aroma that brings elegant harmony. Red wine cask原酒 adds berry-like sweet-tart brightness, creating a gorgeous finish reminiscent of the Munchkin's adorable presence. The smooth mouthfeel works beautifully both straight and in highballs, where the rich aroma stands out.
Product Specifications:
- Product Name: Single Malt Whiskey Kirishima Elegant Cat Munchkin
- Category: Single Malt Whiskey
- Series: Animal Collector Series
- Volume: 300mL
- Alcohol Content: 50%
- Ingredients: Malted barley
- Maturation Casks: Sherry cask, bourbon cask, red wine cask, mizunara cask
- Price: 3,500 yen (excluding tax)
- Release Date: February 22, 2026
- Availability: Liquor stores nationwide and official online shop
- URL: https://kirishima.shop-pro.jp/?pid=190609731
Single Malt Whiskey Kirishima "Dog Walker Shiba Inu"
Sherry cask's gentle sweetness harmonizes with bourbon cask's rich vanilla notes, creating a comforting flavor. Mizunara cask's refreshing, noble aroma defines the clean profile that evokes the Shiba Inu's honest, charming character. White wine cask adds bright fruit nuance, making this an approachable, never-tiring drink perfect for relaxation time.
Product Specifications:
- Product Name: Single Malt Whiskey Kirishima Dog Walker Shiba Inu
- Category: Single Malt Whiskey
- Series: Animal Collector Series
- Volume: 300mL
- Alcohol Content: 50%
- Ingredients: Malted barley
- Maturation Casks: Sherry cask, bourbon cask, white wine cask, mizunara cask
- Price: 3,500 yen (excluding tax)
- Release Date: February 22, 2026
- Availability: Liquor stores nationwide and official online shop
- URL: https://kirishima.shop-pro.jp/?pid=190609954
Kirishima Yokogawa Distillery's Craftsmanship
Four-Barrel Blend
This series uses a common base of three cask types—sherry, bourbon, and mizunara—then distinguishes each character through selective use of red or white wine casks.
The foundation combines sherry cask's rich sweetness with bourbon cask's aromatic vanilla notes. Japanese mizunara cask adds sandalwood-reminiscent noble aroma, creating refined depth.
The Munchkin expression blends red wine cask for berry-like light fruit notes. The Shiba Inu expression uses white wine cask for bright citrus-like nuance. Each wine cask becomes the accent point, allowing distinct personalities to bloom gently within the shared smooth character.
Three Production Methods Balancing Transparency and Richness
Kirishima Yokogawa Distillery combines meticulous proprietary methods to minimize off-flavors and maximize whiskey's true potential.
First Press Method
Only the "first press" wort extracted from malted barley is used—the portion with minimal off-flavors and highest purity. This creates a clean profile and the foundation for gentle, expansive malt character.
Lactic Acid Fermentation Method
Carefully encouraging lactic acid bacteria during fermentation imparts fruity flavor and ester aromas reminiscent of ripe fruit. This extra step creates smoothness on the palate and gently spreading richness.
Low-Temperature Distillation Method
Precise temperature control during distillation suppresses heat-related degradation while extracting slowly over time. This reduces alcohol harshness and achieves smooth, rounded spirits. Careful distillation balances pleasant transparency with core flavor.
Kirishima Yokogawa Distillery Characteristics: "Quiet Maturation" Nurtured by Forest and Water
The distillery uses natural water from the Kirishima mountain range with excellent mineral balance. The Mitarai River flowing near Kirishima Shrine is said to blend with the legendary "Manai Water," and perhaps a drop of that same underground source flows into the distillery's spirits, adding mystery and romance. This special water contributes soft cohesion to the flavor. The gentle temperature variations at approximately 300 meters elevation in the forest environment give the spirits rich expression.
Land of Heavenly Descent
Kirishima is the legendary site where Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended from heaven in the Kojiki (ancient Japanese chronicle). This land of grand nature holds a mystical power within its deep tranquility. As the mythological birthplace passed down through generations, solemn traditions and serene atmosphere still breathe here. Kirishima Yokogawa Distillery deeply respects this background, maximizing Kirishima's rich natural environment in whiskey production. Spirits aged in this deep forest alongside the land's memories carry the dignified character unique to this place.
About Kirishima Yokogawa Distillery
Located in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture's rich natural setting, Yokogawa Distillery has produced shochu for over 80 years. Since obtaining a whiskey production license in 2023, the distillery pursues new fusion of craft whiskey and shochu. Craftspeople with over 25 years of experience seek "spirits originating in Japan that reach the world" through both tradition and innovation.
