Tenkyo Distillery has announced the release of KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY, a blended whisky that represents an unusual cross-cultural collaboration between Scotland and Japan.
The whisky, available from July 6, 2025, emerges from maturation experiments conducted by the distillery’s late founder, Shunsuke Koike.
The release commemorates Koike’s pioneering work before Tenkyo Distillery’s construction in Bandai Town, Aizu. He imported new make spirit from Scotland and aged it in Japan, experimenting with 189 casks across 58 different oak types. The resulting whisky combines both malt and grain spirits matured in the unique climate of Aizu.
KAZE Founder’s Reserve Showcases Solera Blending System
The distillery employs a distinctive solera system for KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY, traditionally associated with Spanish sherry production. This method continuously blends new whisky with the original 189 casks, ensuring Koike’s initial spirit remains present in every bottle.
“The result is a whisky born from the meeting of ‘winds’ – the wind of Scotland, the wind of Aizu, and the spirit of Shunsuke Koike – united to create a profile unlike anything imagined,” according to the announcement.
The whisky is bottled at 46.9% ABV, a strength that subtly references Mt. Akahani’s elevation of 1,430 meters. KAZE, meaning “wind” in Japanese, reflects the product’s cross-cultural nature and the founder’s enduring influence.
KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY Tasting Profile Revealed
Official tasting notes describe KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY as amber in color with a complex flavor profile. The nose presents raisins, figs, white chocolate, and brown sugar with gentle spices and smokiness. The palate combines toffee, nuts, and almonds with apricots and subtle smoke. The finish features cigar-like notes balanced with warming sweetness.
The 700ml bottle carries a suggested retail price of approximately ¥8,250 (~$74) including tax. Currently, the whisky is available exclusively in Japan.
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Tenkyo Distillery’s approach represents a growing trend of international collaboration in whisky production. By maturing Scottish spirit in Japan’s distinct climate, the distillery creates a product that belongs to neither traditional category of scotch or Japanese whisky.
The use of a solera system ensures continuity between releases while allowing the whisky’s character to evolve. This method preserves Koike’s original vision while enabling future innovation.
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