Distillery
Shinobu
Shinobu is a Japanese whisky brand/distillery based in Niigata Prefecture. The range is known for the use of Japanese mizunara oak casks in finishing and includes blended and pure malt expressions led by master blender Ken Usami.
- Niigata (Nishikan) · Niigata Prefecture · Japan
- Since 2017
- 1 product
The story
According to commercial documentation and product materials, Shinobu obtained a whisky production license in the late 2010s and is reported active since 2017. The project is linked to local Niigata operators and figures such as Ken Usami, listed as master blender/founder in technical sheets and promotional materials.
Production philosophy
The brand evokes the Japanese idea of 'shinobu' (endurance/patience) and focuses on an artisanal approach that emphasizes maturation and finishing in mizunara casks to express aromatic characteristics typical of Japanese wood.
Territory
Niigata Prefecture, Japan (Nishikan Ward / Niigata area).
Production method
Available technical documents indicate production includes double distillation (2 passes) and the assembly/blending of whiskies (malt and grain). Several expressions are matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks and subsequently finished in mizunara; the brand also mentions selection of whiskies from various origins before the final finish in Japan.
Distillation
Double distillation; technical documentation reports the use of traditional stills (wash and spirit stills) with multiple units declared for production.
Ageing
Maturation in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry/hogshead casks with finishing in mizunara (Japanese oak); some expressions report additional ageing periods specified on individual bottles.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Niigata (Nishikan)
- Categories
- Japanese whisky
- blended whisky
- pure malt
- mizunara-finished expressions
- Raw materials
- malted barley
- grains (for grain/blend whisky)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- Mizunara (Japanese oak)
- Ex-bourbon
- Ex-sherry / Oloroso / hogshead
- Representative products
- Shinobu Blended Mizunara Oak Finish 43% 70cl (Giftbox)
- Shinobu Pure Malt Mizunara Oak Finish 43% 70cl
- Shinobu The Koshi-No Blended Whisky Mizunara Oak Finish 43% 70cl
What makes it distinctive
- Recurring finish in mizunara casks for many expressions
- Ken Usami listed as master blender
- Production located in Niigata, Japan
- Range includes blended, pure malt and releases with varying ageing