Nagahama Distillery, operated by Nagahama Roman Beer Co., Ltd. in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, is releasing the 8th edition of its house-vatted single malt whisky, "Single Malt Nagahama THE EIGHTH BATCH," on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The distillery, established in 2016 within the Nagahama Roman Beer complex, is Japan's smallest craft distillery, shaped by the landscape of Lake Biwa and Mt. Ibuki. Its alembic-style pot stills and narrow lyne arms yield a distinctive, rich spirit that has become the hallmark of the Nagahama style.
Blend Concept
For this 8th batch, the characteristic Nagahama spirit serves as the foundation, brought together with spirits matured in two special cask types: cherry barrel and amburana barrel.
The backbone of the blend is a 2021 distillation aged for three years in Koval casks and Islay quarter casks, then given an additional two years of post-maturation in amburana casks. This is joined by a 2022 distillation that was fully matured for four years entirely in cherry barrels.
Amburana is a hardwood native to Brazil, traditionally used in the maturation of cachaça, and is prized for its exotic, spicy character. The combination of the gentle sweetness of cherry blossom rice cakes evoked by the cherry barrel, and the exotic spice of amburana, creates a deeply layered flavor — described as the lingering impression of incense or aromatic wood.
Product Details
- Product Name: Single Malt Nagahama THE EIGHTH BATCH
- Volume: 500ml
- Ingredients: Malt
- ABV: 50%
- Bottling: 4,000 bottles
- Suggested Retail Price: ¥11,000 + tax
Tasting Notes
Color: Vibrant amber with a brilliant sheen.
Aroma: The nose opens with the gentle, sweet fragrance of sakura mochi (cherry blossom rice cake) imparted by the cherry barrel. Cinnamon and clove spices from the amburana barrel gradually emerge, evolving into a mysterious incense-like quality reminiscent of vanilla and sandalwood.
Taste: A smooth mouthfeel carries the exotic sweetness of amburana and the delicate cherry character in tandem. A firm backbone develops into a powerful spread of malt umami in the mid-palate. The finish is very long, with a tranquil, aromatic wood quality that lingers pleasantly.
