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Y.A. Blended Malt Japanese Whiskey "Uma!! 72 Tsuya × Honbo Commemorative Bottle"

An exciting announcement for whiskey aficionados! The Y.A. Blended Malt Japanese Whiskey "Uma!! 72 Tsuya × Honbo Commemorative Bottle" is set to debut online for members of the Whiskey Culture Institute starting at noon on July 8, 2026. This unique release celebrates the 72nd birthday of two impactful figures in the whiskey industry, Tsuya Mamoru, the representative of the Whiskey Culture Institute, and Honbo Kazuto, the president of Honbo Distillery.

Special Occasion

Both Tsuya and Honbo were born in February 1954, sharing almost the same birthday, which makes this collaboration even more special, marking this milestone in their lives. In collaboration with Honbo Distillery, a unique aging barrel from Yakushima has been used for this limited-edition whiskey, diverging from the standard Y.A. offerings. After blending the malt from Marus Komagatake and Marus Tsunuki distilleries, this whiskey underwent additional maturation in a Mizunara oak barrel, which is quite rare. On the bottle, you'll find archival photos from their school days, adding a nostalgic touch to the commemorative packaging.

Release Information

• - Sales Start: July 8, 2026, at noon
• - Price: ¥17,600 (tax included, shipping extra)
• - Total Bottles Available: 50
• - Limit per Person: 1 bottle only
• - Membership Requirement: Only for members of the Whiskey Culture Institute

Product Details

• - Name: Y.A. Blended Malt Japanese Whiskey "Uma!! 72 Tsuya × Honbo Commemorative Bottle"
• - Alcohol Content: 50%
• - Volume: 700ml
• - Cask Type: Finished in a new Mizunara oak barrel
• - Total Bottles Produced: 246

The whiskey inside this special bottle consists of light-peated New Komagatake malt and non-peated Tsunuki malt, each aged for approximately four years in bourbon barrels. These spirits were then blended and aged for an additional three years in Mizunara oak, offering a complex flavor profile that stands out in the market today.

Tasting Notes from the Blender

• - Aroma: The whiskey opens with a serene combination of aromatic woods and cocoa, layered with a gentle sweetness reminiscent of vanilla wafers. Underneath, you can detect a citrus bitterness akin to marmalade.
• - Flavor: There are hints of ripe raspberries, combined with a rich texture suggesting beeswax and orange peel.
• - Finish: The taste concludes with a lingering, gentle sweetness and depth that warmly persists on the palate.

Profile of Honbo Kazuto

Kazuto Honbo, President of Honbo Distillery, was born in 1954, in Kagoshima Prefecture. He joined Minami Kyushu Coca-Cola Bottling in 1977 and subsequently transferred to Brazil in 1978. He joined Honbo Distillery in 1980, where he has worked through various positions, reaching the role of president in 2013. Kazuto is also an active member of the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association and a certified sommelier.

About the Whiskey Culture Institute

Established in March 2001, the Whiskey Culture Institute is dedicated to the promotion and education of whiskey culture, spearheaded by renowned whiskey critic Tsuya Mamoru. The institute is committed to researching, collecting, and disseminating information on whiskey and its culture, supporting aficionados and advocating for the expansion of whiskey knowledge across Japan. They publish the only specialized whiskey magazine in Japan, Whisky Galore, organize whiskey festivals, and conduct certified examinations for aspiring connoisseurs.

The Institute also organizes the Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Competition (TWSC), Japan’s exclusive evaluation contest for spirits, and conducts various programs to enrich the knowledge and appreciation of whiskey in the community.

Explore more about their mission and offerings at Whiskey Culture Institute.