Komoro Distillery will begin selling its first single malt Japanese whisky, "KOMORO ORIGIN" (700 ml bottle), on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The initial release is limited to 4,000 bottles. The distillery describes KOMORO ORIGIN as the fruit of Komoro's natural blessings, its makers' skill, and the time they have accumulated, as well as its first milestone and the beginning of a long journey. The thoughts behind this first release are expressed in the bottle and label.
Three Rings and the Komoro Violet, a Pledge to Craftsmanship
The bottle shape features the "three rings" that symbolize Komoro Distillery, and the label is decorated with the Komoro violet (小諸スミレ).
The humility and sincerity that the violet stands for match the distillery's approach to whisky making: continuing to refine the skills it has inherited, learning from nature, and facing each task with care and sincerity. The design also carries a reminder to stay humble and never lose sight of its origins, no matter how far the distillery goes.
KOMORO ORIGIN, Meeting Komoro's Distinctive Flair
KOMORO ORIGIN conveys Komoro's character through a rich aroma, delicately layered flavors, and a smoothly harmonized taste.
The distillery wants it to be enjoyed both by whisky lovers and by those who are just about to discover its appeal, and it is meant to be the first bottle to convey what makes Komoro distinctive.
Four Commitments Behind a Single Bottle
Komoro Distillery aims for whisky in which the character of each base whisky is brought out, and the fruit flavors, oak notes, and mouthfeel blend beautifully. Four commitments support a taste with depth, many layers of expression, and a solid backbone.
- "Craftsmanship," putting the philosophy and skills inherited from the late Dr. Jim Swan to use in daily production
- "An attitude of facing nature," drawing out the blessings of Mount Asama's underground water and climate
- "Commitment to casks and maturation," using more than 20 carefully selected types of casks and taking the time to assess the character of each one
- "Japanese aesthetic sense," the guiding principle for blending
The production team led by Ian Chang pursues whisky with a distinct Komoro character on this foundation.
The Beginning of the Distillery's Whisky Journey
KOMORO ORIGIN is the first bottle of the core series at Komoro Distillery. Under a shared whisky-making philosophy, the distillery plans to continue releasing whiskies that express different sides of Komoro's character.
Through this first release, the distillery looks forward to sharing the first step of this journey with many customers.
First Release Week at the Distillery in Komoro
From November 7 to 15, Komoro Distillery will hold "First Release Week" to celebrate the birth of KOMORO ORIGIN. The distillery will be decorated for the occasion, and the programs, available only during this period, let visitors taste, learn, and get closer to the makers' thoughts.
Special Programs
Master class and tasting seminars
In addition to a master class by Ian Chang, chief educator Eddie Ludlow, who will visit Japan for the period, will lead two sessions: "Whisky Basics," which teaches how to enjoy whisky from the basics, and "Sherry 2," which explores the appeal of sherry cask maturation and the distinctive approach at Komoro. Both are offered with tasting and Japanese interpretation.
"1st Release Experience," a special pairing developed with Akafuku
Komoro Distillery has developed special red-and-white daifuku with Isuzu Chaya (五十鈴茶屋), a Japanese and Western confectionery brand run by Akafuku, a long-established confectioner in Ise. The flavors use the distillery's whisky and Shinshu apples, and they can be enjoyed paired with KOMORO ORIGIN.
The "1st Release Experience" plan includes the following.
- A special pairing of KOMORO ORIGIN and the red-and-white daifuku
- A special aging warehouse tour planned for First Release Week
- A commemorative pin badge made from cask wood from Komoro Distillery
- A sightseeing bus ticket (included in all advance-purchase tickets)
- The right to purchase KOMORO ORIGIN 200 ml (the bottle price is separate)
Price: ¥3,850 for advance reservations, ¥4,400 for same-day tickets (both tax included). Both advance and same-day tickets close once capacity is reached. On November 15, business hours are morning only.
In addition, there will be a celebration lunch to enjoy food and whisky, and the shop will stock new products commemorating the first release, making the distillery lively with a one-time-only atmosphere.
About the Sale of the First 4,000 Bottles
Advance reservation is required, and bottles are available only to purchasers of qualifying tickets.
During First Release Week, bottles are sold to those who buy a ticket for a qualifying program and take part in it. Choose according to the experience and bottle size you want. Visiting the distillery alone does not allow you to buy a bottle. For this initial sale, general sales at other stores are not planned.
- Tickets differ in the bottle size you can buy.
- Tickets that include the right to purchase do not include the bottle price, which must be paid separately.
Qualifying tickets and bottle sizes
- 700 ml bottle included: 1st Release Signature Package
- Right to buy a 700 ml bottle: the seminars (Ian Chang 1 / Ian Chang 2 / Whisky Basics with Eddie Ludlow / Sherry × Eddie Ludlow) and Celebration Lunch Experience
- Right to buy a 200 ml bottle: 1st Release Experience
Please check the details of each plan on the special website before applying.
Touring Autumn Leaves in Komoro
A special sightseeing bus with unlimited hop-on and hop-off for ¥500 is planned during the period. In Komoro, where the autumn leaves are at their best, seasonal pleasures spread across town, including the "Autumn Leaves Festival" (紅葉まつり) at Komoro Castle Ruins Kaikoen (小諸城址・懐古園), strolls through the town, and seasonal flavors. Details of the sightseeing bus and tie-up projects with the local community will be released progressively so that visitors can enjoy autumn in Komoro together with their experience at the distillery.
Event Details
- Name: Komoro Distillery First Release Week (小諸蒸留所ファーストリリースウィーク)
- Dates: November 7 to 15, 2026
- Venue: Komoro Distillery and participating facilities
- Details and reservations: Komoro Distillery First Release special website, https://komoro-first-release.com/
