Nikko Kaido Koyama Distillery (Nishibori Shuzo), Tochigi's First Whisky Distillery, Launches Single Grain Japanese Whisky 'TETSU REFINE [Ren]' Inspired by Sake Brewery's 'Ginjo Philosophy'

Image is for illustrative purposes

Nishibori Shuzo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture; President: Nishibori Shuzo) will begin selling its single grain Japanese whisky 'TETSU REFINE [Ren]', produced at the Nikko Kaido Koyama Distillery, from late July 2026.

Founded in 1872 as a sake brewery, we established Tochigi Prefecture’s first whisky distillery, the Nikko Kaido Koyama Distillery, in 2022. Our goal was not to recreate Scotch whisky.

What kind of whisky can only a sake brewery create?

What defines true Japanese whisky?

After continuously reflecting on these questions, we arrived at one answer: 'TETSU REFINE [Ren]'.

This product uses 'ginjo powder'—a byproduct from polishing sake rice—as its grain ingredient, with 100% sake yeast for fermentation. Combined with vacuum distillation using domestically produced stainless steel stills, we pursued a delicate and complex flavor profile unique to sake breweries.

We call the philosophy underlying this method the 'Ginjo Philosophy'.

Polish the rice, refine the fermentation, elevate the aroma and taste.

We have applied the 'Ginjo' philosophy cultivated through sake brewing to whisky production.

Refine, forge, and perfect.

The name 'REFINE [Ren]' embodies this spirit.

Ginjo powder, a byproduct of rice polishing, contains a high proportion of the core part of the rice grain—the same part essential for high-quality daiginjo sake.

We aim to introduce a new value rooted in Japanese sake culture into the globally beloved category of whisky.

This is not merely repurposing raw materials; it is also a challenge to pass on Japan’s unique brewing culture to the next generation.

Redefining the Concept of Grain Whisky

Left: Two-row barley malt produced in Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture (Malt) / Right: Ginjo powder generated during rice polishing (the inner core of sake rice, also used in daiginjo sake)

Grain whisky is often discussed as a supporting component in blended whiskies.

However, 'TETSU REFINE [Ren]' aims to redefine grain whisky by using ginjo powder derived from sake rice instead of conventional grains like corn or barley, thereby opening new possibilities for rice-based grain whisky.

With sake rice-derived ginjo powder, 100% sake yeast fermentation, and delicate flavor design through vacuum distillation,

we have combined the unique ideas and techniques of a sake brewery to achieve a quiet, crisp finish that transcends the conventional image of grain whisky.

Delicacy.

Aftertaste.

Subtle depth from fermentation.

These represent a new possibility for single grain Japanese whisky—only achievable by a sake brewery.

Whisky as an 'Eternal Provisional Answer'

The brand name 'TETSU' carries the meaning of 'philosophizing whisky'.

We are not aiming for a single, final, completed answer.

We will keep questioning, refining, and updating.

'TETSU REFINE [Ren]' is our current provisional answer to the question: 'What is true Japanese whisky?'

While continuing to search for better answers, we will keep pursuing Japanese whisky unique to a sake brewery.

Product Overview

Product Name: TETSU REFINE [Ren]

Classification: Single Grain Japanese Whisky
Category: Whisky

Ingredients: Grain (rice), Malt

Alcohol Content: 50%

Volume: 700ml

Fermentation: 100% sake yeast

Grain Ingredient: Ginjo powder derived from sake rice

Suggested Retail Price: 13,600 yen (excluding tax)

Release Date: Late July 2026 (planned)

Manufacturer: Nishibori Shuzo Co., Ltd., Nikko Kaido Koyama Distillery

Sales Overview

[Authorized Retailers]

From late July 2026, the product will be sequentially available at authorized retailers handling our whisky.

For reservation status, inventory, and restocking information, please contact each retailer directly.

[Online Exclusive Pre-order Sales]

Application Period: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Shipping Start: From Tuesday, July 21, 2026 (ships sequentially)

How to Purchase: Nishibori Shuzo Official Online Shop (member-exclusive URL)

※Limited to email or LINE members

[Nishibori Shuzo Flagship Store]

Sales Start Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 (planned)

Location: 1452 Awamiya, Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture

※Limited quantities available; may sell out.

About Nikko Kaido Koyama Distillery

Established in 2022. Tochigi Prefecture’s first whisky distillery.

Founded by Nishibori Shuzo, a 154-year-old sake brewery, within the grounds of a nationally registered tangible cultural property sake brewery, under the theme of 'True Japanese Whisky Only a Sake Brewery Can Create'.

We pursue unique Japanese whisky by incorporating Japanese brewing culture, including 100% sake yeast fermentation, utilization of sake rice-derived ingredients, and aging in Japanese oak (mizunara) casks.

In 2025, we received the 'Innovator Award of the Year' at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition.

'TETSU' is the only Japanese whisky officially presented from Nikko Toshogu Shrine to the Vatican and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan.

Reference: 'Wrapped in 400 Years of Prayer from Nikko’s Cedar Avenues' – The Unique Japanese Whisky 'TETSU' Presented to the Vatican and Taipei Representative Office, First Release Available from October

※On June 13, 2026, in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, it was ranked 8th nationwide in the 'NIKKEI Plus1 Anything Ranking' as a 'craft distillery enjoyable for tours and tastings'.

[TETSU Brand Website]

https://tetsuwhisky.com/

[Nishibori Shuzo Official Website]

https://nishiborisyuzo.com/

[Inquiries]

Nishibori Shuzo Co., Ltd.

TEL: 0285-45-0035 FAX: 0285-45-1628

E-mail: sake@nishiborisyuzo.com