Globally Recognized! Ontake Distillery's 'SINGLE CASK STRENGTH JAPANESE WHISKY Ontake No.18' Wins Highest Gold Award at TWSC 2026
The single cask whisky 'Ontake No.18' produced by Ontake Distillery, operated by Nishi Shuzo, has won the Highest Gold Award at TWSC 2026. The standard 'Ontake 2025' also won a Gold Award, proving its high quality on a global scale.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 18, 2026 at 19:38 (9h 7m after Collected)
Nishi Shuzo Co., Ltd. (Location: Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture; President: Yoichiro Nishi) announced that 'SINGLE CASK STRENGTH JAPANESE WHISKY Ontake No.18' from its Ontake Distillery has won the 'Highest Gold Award' at the 'Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026 (TWSC2026)', one of Asia's largest liquor competitions, announced on May 15, 2026.
In the Western liquor category of the global competition TWSC 2026, Ontake Distillery's one-cask limited edition whisky, 'SINGLE CASK STRENGTH JAPANESE WHISKY Ontake No.18', was awarded the Highest Gold. Furthermore, 'JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY Ontake 2025' also received a Gold Award. The whisky-making of Ontake Distillery was highly evaluated by judges from Japan and abroad.
The company expressed its sincere gratitude to all the patrons of Ontake Distillery's whisky, attributing this award entirely to their support. Encouraged by this recognition, they aim to continue crafting whisky that moves many people, striving for wider recognition of Ontake Distillery's whisky throughout Japan and the rest of the world.
'THE ONTAKE DISTILLERY' Website: https://www.nishi-shuzo.co.jp/ontake/
What is TWSC?
TWSC (Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition) is the only large-scale competition in Japan that evaluates whiskies and spirits from around the world using the delicate palate unique to Japanese people.
It garners significant attention every year, with evaluations conducted through rigorous blind tastings by domestic and international professionals.
TWSC Website: https://tokyowhiskyspiritscompetition.jp/
'SINGLE CASK STRENGTH JAPANESE WHISKY Ontake No.18' - Highest Gold Award
Won 'Highest Gold Award' in the TWSC 2026 Western Liquor Category
The 'SINGLE CASK STRENGTH JAPANESE WHISKY Ontake No.18', which won the Highest Gold Award this time, is a supreme single malt born from Ontake Distillery's new challenge, the miraculous cask 'No.18'.
Normally, during the cask maturation process, alcohol evaporates, and the ABV gradually decreases.
However, No.18 is an extremely rare cask where the alcohol content actually increased during maturation, contrary to the 'angel's share'.
Ontake Distillery bottled this special cask exactly as it is, without adding water or blending.
With a concentrated aroma, a taste that combines strength and delicacy, and a long-lasting finish, it is a bottle that embodies the philosophy and individuality of Ontake Distillery.
In this competition, it received high praise as follows:
■ Judges' Comments (Excerpts)
[SINGLE CASK STRENGTH JAPANESE WHISKY Ontake No.18]
- A rich image of a sherry cask that doesn't make you feel the strength of the alcohol content.
- Sherry cask maturation with no negative elements. Everything is well-balanced, there is no loss of balance due to added water, and it even evokes a sense of euphoria.
- Elegant and deep. The sense of maturation and the high degree of perfection stand out.
- ABV: 55%
- Volume: 700ml
*As this is a limited edition whisky, general sales have ended.
'JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY Ontake 2025' - Gold Award
Won 'Gold Award' in the TWSC 2026 Western Liquor Category
Ontake Distillery's standard single malt, 'JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY Ontake 2025', also won a Gold Award.
Using unblended whisky matured in the natural environment of Kagoshima, it expresses the soft sweetness, rich aroma, and expansive finish characteristic of Ontake.
The charm of the 'clean, highly aromatic, and deeply flavorful Japanese whisky' that Ontake Distillery aims for was highly praised.
In this competition, it received high praise as follows:
■ Judges' Comments (Excerpts)
[JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY Ontake 2025]
- Well-balanced. The sweetness, acidity, and astringency are perfect.
- You can enjoy the finish. It feels like something I'd want to drink to refresh myself when tired of drinking at a bar.
- Well-balanced. The umami is firmly felt, the finish is long, and it's a thoroughly enjoyable taste.
- ABV: 43%
- Volume: 700ml
About 'Ontake Distillery' Overlooking Sakurajima (Ontake)
Located on a hill about 400 meters above sea level overlooking Kinko Bay and Ontake (Sakurajima), it has an abundance of natural soft water, is cool and suitable for storage even in hot seasons, and has clear air.
In the Western liquor category of the global competition TWSC 2026, Ontake Distillery's one-cask limited edition whisky, 'SINGLE CASK STRENGTH JAPANESE WHISKY Ontake No.18', was awarded the Highest Gold. Furthermore, 'JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY Ontake 2025' also received a Gold Award. The whisky-making of Ontake Distillery was highly evaluated by judges from Japan and abroad.
The company expressed its sincere gratitude to all the patrons of Ontake Distillery's whisky, attributing this award entirely to their support. Encouraged by this recognition, they aim to continue crafting whisky that moves many people, striving for wider recognition of Ontake Distillery's whisky throughout Japan and the rest of the world.
'THE ONTAKE DISTILLERY' Website: https://www.nishi-shuzo.co.jp/ontake/
What is TWSC?
TWSC (Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition) is the only large-scale competition in Japan that evaluates whiskies and spirits from around the world using the delicate palate unique to Japanese people.
It garners significant attention every year, with evaluations conducted through rigorous blind tastings by domestic and international professionals.
TWSC Website: https://tokyowhiskyspiritscompetition.jp/
'SINGLE CASK STRENGTH JAPANESE WHISKY Ontake No.18' - Highest Gold Award
Won 'Highest Gold Award' in the TWSC 2026 Western Liquor Category
The 'SINGLE CASK STRENGTH JAPANESE WHISKY Ontake No.18', which won the Highest Gold Award this time, is a supreme single malt born from Ontake Distillery's new challenge, the miraculous cask 'No.18'.
Normally, during the cask maturation process, alcohol evaporates, and the ABV gradually decreases.
However, No.18 is an extremely rare cask where the alcohol content actually increased during maturation, contrary to the 'angel's share'.
Ontake Distillery bottled this special cask exactly as it is, without adding water or blending.
With a concentrated aroma, a taste that combines strength and delicacy, and a long-lasting finish, it is a bottle that embodies the philosophy and individuality of Ontake Distillery.
In this competition, it received high praise as follows:
■ Judges' Comments (Excerpts)
[SINGLE CASK STRENGTH JAPANESE WHISKY Ontake No.18]
- A rich image of a sherry cask that doesn't make you feel the strength of the alcohol content.
- Sherry cask maturation with no negative elements. Everything is well-balanced, there is no loss of balance due to added water, and it even evokes a sense of euphoria.
- Elegant and deep. The sense of maturation and the high degree of perfection stand out.
- ABV: 55%
- Volume: 700ml
*As this is a limited edition whisky, general sales have ended.
'JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY Ontake 2025' - Gold Award
Won 'Gold Award' in the TWSC 2026 Western Liquor Category
Ontake Distillery's standard single malt, 'JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY Ontake 2025', also won a Gold Award.
Using unblended whisky matured in the natural environment of Kagoshima, it expresses the soft sweetness, rich aroma, and expansive finish characteristic of Ontake.
The charm of the 'clean, highly aromatic, and deeply flavorful Japanese whisky' that Ontake Distillery aims for was highly praised.
In this competition, it received high praise as follows:
■ Judges' Comments (Excerpts)
[JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY Ontake 2025]
- Well-balanced. The sweetness, acidity, and astringency are perfect.
- You can enjoy the finish. It feels like something I'd want to drink to refresh myself when tired of drinking at a bar.
- Well-balanced. The umami is firmly felt, the finish is long, and it's a thoroughly enjoyable taste.
- ABV: 43%
- Volume: 700ml
About 'Ontake Distillery' Overlooking Sakurajima (Ontake)
Located on a hill about 400 meters above sea level overlooking Kinko Bay and Ontake (Sakurajima), it has an abundance of natural soft water, is cool and suitable for storage even in hot seasons, and has clear air.
FAQ
Where is Ontake Distillery's whisky produced?
It is produced on a hill about 400 meters above sea level in Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, characterized by natural soft water and a cool environment.
What are the features of 'Ontake No.18', which won the Highest Gold Award?
It is a limited edition product bottled as is, without adding water or blending, from a rare cask where the alcohol content increased during maturation.
Can I purchase 'Ontake No.18'?
Because it is a limited edition whisky, general sales have already ended.