Distillery
Yuza
Yuza is a Japanese single malt producer born from an initiative of Kinryu Co. in Yamagata. A small artisanal operation active since 2018, it specializes in limited-edition single malt whiskies (First, Second, Third, Edition series and seasonal releases).
- Yuza (Yuza-machi) · Yamagata Prefecture · Japan
- Since 2018
- 5 products
The story
The Yuza project was launched within Kinryu Co., Ltd. (a local company operating in the spirits sector) with the aim of producing Japanese whisky in an area rich in spring water near Mount Chokai. The distillery obtained its license and started production in 2018; the first commercial bottlings (First Edition) were released in 2022. Since then production has remained small-scale, with releases as numbered editions and small batches.
Production philosophy
Small-scale production focused on quality and sense of place: use of local resources (spring water), the 'TLAS' approach (Tiny, Lovely, Authentic, Supreme) and releases only when the product meets internal quality standards.
Territory
Yuza (Yuza-machi), Yamagata Prefecture, Tōhoku region, Japan.
Awards and recognition
Gold - International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2022 (reported for YUZA First Edition 2022 by specialized sources and specialist retailers).
Production method
Small-batch production of single malt: on-site fermentation and distillation and maturation in selected casks (mainly ex-bourbon and sherry; use of mizunara casks for some editions). Bottles are often released at natural strength (cask strength) for early editions.
Distillation
Distillation using pot stills (small-scale single malt production with dedicated wash and spirit stills).
Ageing
Maturation in ex-bourbon and sherry casks; occasional use of mizunara casks for finishes/special editions.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Yuza (Yuza-machi)
- Categories
- whisky
- Japanese whisky
- single malt
- small batch whisky
- Raw materials
- malted barley
- Casks and ageing vessels
- bourbon
- sherry
- mizunara
- Representative products
- Whisky Edition 2023 70cl - Yuza
- Whisky First Edition 70cl - Yuza
- Whisky Second Edition 70cl - Yuza
- Whisky Spring In Japan 2024 70cl - Yuza
- Whisky Third Edition 70cl - Yuza
What makes it distinctive
- First whisky distillery in Yamagata Prefecture
- Artisanal, small-batch production; TLAS approach (Tiny, Lovely, Authentic, Supreme)
- YUZA First Edition 2022: international recognition (GOLD winner in industry competitions reported by specialized sources)
- Range composed of numbered editions and seasonal releases (e.g. Spring in Japan 2024)