A new seabed aging project for KOICHI (Rice Whisky), a domestic Japanese rice whisky, has been launched by Kita kara Minami Co., Ltd. (Sapporo, Hokkaido). Bottles will be submerged in the sea off Kushiro, Hokkaido and left to age for approximately one year, with the project period running from June 2026 through June 2027.
The initiative explores how the underwater environment — characterized by low temperatures, the absence of light, and the natural rocking motion of waves — might affect the whisky's aroma, flavor, and texture compared to conventional land-based aging. A crowdfunding campaign to support the project is currently open on CAMPFIRE.
https://camp-fire.jp/projects/937690/view?list=watched
About the Seabed Aging Project
The project brings together the natural appeal of Hokkaido's Kushiro Sea with Japan's rice culture in an effort to bring the rice whisky genre to a broader audience. Over the course of the year, the team will track any changes in the whisky's characteristics, with plans to report findings once the bottles are retrieved from the seafloor.
KOICHI (Rice Whisky) Product Lineup
KOICHI (Rice Whisky) is a brand born from the idea of merging Japanese rice culture with whisky traditions. It has been on sale since December 2024 and is distributed both domestically and internationally.
KOICHI (Rice Whisky) — Latitude 43°
- Volume: 500 ml
- Alcohol: 43%
- Suggested Retail Price: ¥5,500 (tax included)
A domestic rice whisky crafted using rice as the primary ingredient. It features a soft mouthfeel from the rice, a vibrant aroma developed through barrel aging, and a mellow finish. It can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or as a highball.
KOICHI (Rice Whisky) — 51°
- Volume: 500 ml
- Alcohol: 51%
- Suggested Retail Price: ¥8,800 (tax included)
A high-proof version for those seeking a bolder, richer taste. It retains the gentle character of rice while delivering a more substantial body and prominent barrel notes.
Manufactured by Kumesen Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Competition Results
KOICHI (Rice Whisky) has received recognition at several international spirits competitions in 2025:
2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWC) — USA
- KOICHI 51°: Double Gold
- Latitude 43°: Gold
2025 Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) — Japan
- KOICHI 51°: Gold
- Latitude 43°: Silver
2025 International Spirits Challenge (ISC) — UK
- KOICHI 51°: Silver
- Latitude 43°: Silver
2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) — UK
- KOICHI 51°: Silver
- Latitude 43°: Bronze
For more information on the brand, visit the official website: https://koichiwhisky.com/
