Legendary Bartender-Curated Kyoto 'Shishin' Whisky Third Release Launches July 28, 2026

Izumise Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto; President: Naotaka Totsuka), which operates the whisky select shop 'Cask salon de K' in Kyoto, will release the third installment of its Scotch single cask series 'Shishin (Shishin)', curated by Kyoto's legendary bartender Minoru Nishida (Nishida Minoru). Titled 'Genbu Royal Brackla 2014/11 Year Oloroso Octave for Cask salon de K', the whisky will be available exclusively through the official online shop starting Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in a limited run of 87 bottles.

Amid a global whisky boom, the unparalleled selection expertise of Mr. Nishida, a pioneer of Kyoto's bar culture, delivers a supreme single cask expression to discerning whisky enthusiasts seeking authenticity.

Background: The 'Four Guardian Gods' Concept Protecting Kyoto

The 'Shishin' series by 'Cask salon de K' is a special collection inspired by the majestic concept of the Four Guardian Gods (Seiryu, Byakko, Genbu, Suzaku), who are said to protect the city of Kyoto. Following the first release 'Seiryu (Laphroaig)' in December 2025 and the second 'Byakko (Glenallachie)', this release features 'Genbu (Black Tortoise)', the guardian of the northern direction. Chosen for its rich, profound character befitting the mythical 'Genbu', the whisky selected is 'Royal Brackla', a distillery with a history of Royal Warrant patronage.

Royal Brackla: 'The King's Whisky'

Founded in 1812 by Captain William Fraser on the estate of Cawdor Castle, the setting of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. In 1833, it became the first Scotch whisky to be granted a Royal Warrant by King William IV of the United Kingdom, earning its enduring reputation as 'The King's Whisky' due to its heritage and quality.

Royal Brackla is renowned for its rich flavor profile, derived from a commitment to diverse sherry cask maturation and a production method that involves no chill filtration or artificial coloring. Mr. Nishida, who has long held deep trust and affection for its refined, elegant spirit, has selected a single cask that expresses a character distinct from official bottlings, with added depth and complexity from maturation in an Oloroso octave cask. The resulting flavor, chosen with a precise eye for the essence of whisky, is a perfect embodiment of the 'Genbu'.

Tasting Notes by Mr. Nishida

Aroma: A vibrant bouquet of green apple and pear, vanilla, cocoa nibs, and rich aromas reminiscent of raisins and caramel.

Palate: A complex and balanced mouthfeel, combining the sweet, rich notes typical of sherry casks with nuances of caramelized crème brûlée, buttered pancakes, and dark chocolate. The long finish is marked by the sherry cask's rich aroma and deep woody notes, with a subtle hint of saltiness that enhances the overall deliciousness.

Future Outlook: The Conclusion of the Shishin Series (Suzaku)

Mr. Minoru Nishida, a leading figure in Kyoto's bar culture, and 'Cask salon de K' plan to release the fourth and final installment, 'Suzaku (Vermilion Bird)', to conclude the series after 'Genbu'. They will continue to offer unique experiences that convey world-class bar culture and the true charm of whisky from Kyoto and Japan.

Product Details

- Alcohol Content: 52.9% - Volume: 700ml - Bottling Quantity: 87 bottles - Price: ¥19,800 (¥21,780 including tax)

Purchase Information

Cask salon de K (Cask Salon de K)

https://cask-salon-de-k.jp/products/genbu-royalbrackla2014

About 'Cask salon de K'

Born from the global whisky boom, 'Cask salon de K' is a premium whisky select shop dedicated to connoisseurs seeking that one exceptional bottle. Curated by Kyoto's legendary bartender Minoru Nishida, it features a lineup of unique bottles unavailable elsewhere.

Official Online Shop: https://cask-salon-de-k.jp/

Kyoto's Legendary Bartender

Minoru Nishida (Nishida Minoru)

Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1964. Studied psychology at Doshisha University, learning how to empathize with people's hearts. After graduation, a part-time job at a bar deeply captivated him with the quiet art of listening to customers, leading him to pursue a career as a bartender.

After working on bar production in Tokyo, he returned to Kyoto at the age of 30 in 1994 to open his long-cherished own bar, 'Bar K6'.

Bar K6 is recognized as a symbol of Kyoto's bar culture. In 2016, Keiji Tsubokura, a bartender from the bar (Bar Rocking chair), became the second Japanese person in history to win the overall title at the global cocktail competition 'World Bartender of the Year', highlighting the bar's significant contribution to nurturing the next generation of top bartenders.

Currently, he manages 'cave de K' and 'BAR Kaoru', and also supervises 'K36 The Bar & Rooftop' at The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu. He continues to promote world-class bar culture from Kyoto.

Company Overview

- Company Name: Izumise Co., Ltd. - Representative: President Naotaka Totsuka - Address: Nippon Life Shijo Building, 7th Floor, 60 Tachiyamachi, Higashi-iru, Touin-dori, Shijo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture - URL: https://www.izumise.co.jp/

Media Inquiries

Cask salon de K (Cask Salon de K)

Official Online Shop

https://cask-salon-de-k.jp/

Contact: Naoya Tsutsumi

TEL: 075-255-6112

E-Mail: info@cask-salon-de-k.jp