Volume：700ml
ABV：47%

This bottle marks the very first official whisky released by Setouchi Distillery, and watching its birth feels almost emotional. In 2021, the distillery began literally from zero—land acquisition, building facilities, purchasing stills and oak casks, training staff—each step required massive investment of money and manpower. And during the initial three years, while their whisky was still too young, it was essentially a period of spending without income.

Fortunately, Setouchi’s Lemon Gin became well-loved across Europe, the U.S., and Hong Kong, providing the capital they needed to keep going. Meanwhile, their New Born 1-year and 2-year releases earned impressive reputations among drinkers by delivering quality far beyond their young age. Finally, Setouchi’s first whisky has arrived.

One of Setouchi whisky’s unique points lies in its fermentation. The distillery purposefully uses beer yeast mixed into the process, giving the spirit deeper and more complex aromas, but also extending fermentation time by about 1.5 times—almost 150 hours (nearly a full week). After distillation, the spirit is aged for 3 years in Oloroso sherry casks, adding sweetness and richness. Based on these choices alone, one can easily imagine the fruity and refreshing style Setouchi aims to express.

In the glass, light sherry aromas appear immediately, mixed with popcorn and rice cracker notes—fun and playful. The palate is full-bodied with excellent ripe fruit character and medium-high sweetness. There is a touch of youthful heat mid-palate, but notes of caramel, semi-ripe fruit, and dark chocolate grow stronger toward the finish, ending with malty and fruity sweetness—an easy-drinking style with delightful sweetness and freshness.

For those interested in comparing how Setouchi whisky develops each year, there are still very limited stocks of New Born 1-year and 2-year. Tasting them side by side in vintage order reveals a fascinating journey of flavor evolution.

If you wish to savor this whisky’s five-year journey, and perhaps connect it with your own half-decade of memories, bring a bottle home—you might be pleasantly surprised.