A New Era for Little K Whiskey
Whiskey&Co., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Little K 2026, slated for June 15, 2026. This whiskey has already captured the attention of enthusiasts, having garnered the prestigious Master Medal at The World Whisky Masters 2025 event in London, showcasing its exceptional quality.
What is Little K 2026?
Little K is a pioneering whiskey brand from Mishima, Shizuoka, distinguished by its unique aging process and ingredients. Following the successful launches of its previous iterations, First Release and Second Release, which respectively sold out, Little K 2026 promises a rich, immersive tasting experience. Each of these releases has reflected the brand's commitment to innovation and quality.
Little K 2026 builds on the foundation laid by its predecessors. First Release featured a blend of whiskey aged between 10 to 13 months, whereas the Second Release was a blend of 15 to 19 months. This latest offering, however, takes a bold leap forward with a blend of whiskeys aged for 17, 18, and even 20 months, amplifying its sensory profile.
Tasting Notes
Expect an aromatic bouquet of almonds, chocolate, and vanilla, interlaced with hints of black pepper, dry peach, apricot, and tea. Upon tasting, the interplay between the bitter nuances from the barrels and the whiskey's inherent sweetness creates a complex palate experience, bringing forth notes of oak, caramel, and fresh fruit akin to peach pit. The finish is characterized by a prolonged sweetness that lingers beautifully, reinforcing its allure.
Details About Little K 2026
- - Category: Whiskey
- - Ingredients: Corn grits ( domestically produced), rye, malt
- - Volume: 375ml
- - Alcohol Content: 61% (Cask Strength)
- - Retail Price: JPY 4,500 (excluding tax) / JPY 4,950 (including tax)
The whiskey encapsulates the essence of Mishima, as it is distilled at Distillery Water Dragon and aged locally, firmly rooting it in its home turf. Although primarily available in the Mishima area for retail, it can also be found at bars and restaurants nationwide.
Private Brand Initiative
Whiskey&Co. is not just about individual brands; it cares deeply about locality. As part of its ongoing commitment to community-driven initiatives, the company is also focusing on Private Brand (PB) whiskies that reflect local culture and heritage. This means that you will soon see more bespoke whiskey offerings drawing inspiration from various neighborhoods and their distinct histories.
Upcoming Projects and Events
Whiskey&Co. is also set to introduce PB offerings crafted from unique environments, such as aging whiskey within the historic Doihimakankoudou mining area, launching reservations on June 16, 2026. Furthermore, enthusiasts can look forward to the 2026 Moon Shine Cocktail Competition, their fourth iteration of the event, further invigorating the local cocktail scene.
Distillery Tours
Additionally, Whiskey&Co. invites whiskey lovers to explore Distillery Water Dragon through guided tours, a rare opportunity to delve into the whiskey-making process firsthand. These tours run for 60-90 minutes and include tastings of both Little K 2026 and four original gins.
Conclusion
Whiskey&Co. continues to pave a new path in the realm of Japanese whiskey, melding tradition with innovative techniques. Keep an eye out for Little K 2026 on June 15, and ready your palate for a unique journey through flavor and craftsmanship. For inquiries or to learn more about the distillation process, feel free to reach out to us at
[email protected].