#Japan #Shibuya #Whiskey&Co. #Little K #TWSC 2026

Whiskey&Co. Shines at Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition

Whiskey&Co. Inc., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, is celebrating a major milestone as their newest whiskey, Little K 2025 2nd, was awarded the prestigious Highest Gold at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026 in the Newborn Spirits category. Released in November 2025, this unique whiskey has garnered attention both locally and internationally for its distinct taste and craftsmanship.

An Overview of the Competition

The Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition is renowned as Asia's largest liquor competition, featuring nearly 800 distilled spirits from around the globe. This only whiskey competition in Japan is adjudicated by enthusiasts and experts, ensuring a thorough evaluation process that highlights both quality and innovation in the industry. Learn more about the competition here.

About Little K 2025 2nd

Under the category of Newborn Spirits, Little K 2025 2nd has captured the hearts of judges with its exceptional character. The whiskey is crafted using locally sourced ingredients, combining corn grits, rye, and malt.

• - Item: Whiskey
• - Contents: 375ml
• - Alcohol by Volume: 61% (Cask Strength)
• - Retail Price: 4,500 yen (Tax excluded) / 4,950 yen (Tax included)

The Little K series is developed in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where the warm climate and the use of American white oak barrels for aging replicate traditional bourbon-making techniques. Initially released in June 2025, the series gained early accolades, including the Master Medal at The World Whisky Masters 2025 and quickly sold out its first 4,750 bottles. In November, the second installment of the series, Little K 2025 2nd, was released in a limited run of 4,600 bottles.

Tasting Notes

Nose: The fragrance offers an aromatic bouquet of fruit compote centered around peach, with nuances of Assam tea, apple, spearmint, and a hint of iodine. Upon drying, custard and vanilla cream aromatics emerge.

Taste: On the palate, a pleasant bitterness is accompanied by a wave of sweetness. The oaky notes and vanilla sweetness intertwine beautifully with a subtle iodide flavor.

Finish: The oak aroma gently fades, leaving a lingering aftertaste of tobacco leaves and aromatic woods.

Whiskey&Co. aims to create a locally distilled product that captures the essence of Mishima, with the Little K series exclusively sold within the region. While available for commercial use in bars and restaurants nationwide, retail sales remain limited to the Mishima area.

Future Releases

The enthusiasm surrounding Little K 2025 2nd has helped pave the way for the next release from this series: Little K 2026. Set to debut on June 15, 2026, this third installment will contrast the previous entries, focusing on longer maturation times of 17, 18, and 20 months.

Little K 2026 is expected to showcase a complex flavor profile with notes of almond, chocolate, and vanilla, complemented by hints of tea, peach, dried apricots, and black pepper. The mouthfeel will present a rich, sweet sensation intertwined with oaky bitterness and caramel, leaving a long and sweet finish.

Distillery Tours Available

For those intrigued by the craftsmanship, Whiskey&Co. offers distillery tours at Distillery Water Dragon in Mishima, where Bourbon-style whiskey is crafted. Guests can enjoy exclusive tastings of Little K 2026 and other spirits during the tour. Reservations are now open for this unique experience.

Company Overview

Founded in January 2021, Whiskey&Co. produces and sells craft spirits, focusing on the revitalization and branding of local products. They emphasize the unique charm of "Japanese Bourbon Whiskey" and seek to elevate local micro-distilleries, fostering continuous regional development.

For more information or to book a distillery tour, visit Whiskey&Co.'s website.