Liquor importer and wholesaler Toko, Inc. (Taito-ku, Tokyo) will release two types of the first in-house distilled single malt whiskies from the up-and-coming 'Hinch Distillery' in Northern Ireland, available in limited quantities nationwide starting Thursday, April 2, 2026.

'Hinch Single Malt' was awarded the category's top prize, 'Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt,' at the world's premier whisky competition, the World Whiskies Awards (WWA) 2026. It arrives in Japan with global acclaim. Additionally, the 'Peated Single Malt,' which revives traditional smokiness for the modern era, will also be released simultaneously.

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1. Hinch Single Malt

From the Hinch Distillery in Northern Ireland, which began operations in 2020, comes the long-awaited single malt using only their own in-house distilled spirits. Under the 'Grain to Glass' vision held since its founding, the distillery uses 100% Irish barley, including grain from the local County Down, and manages everything from distillation to maturation and bottling in-house. Immediately following its release in March 2026, it won 'Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt' at the World Whiskies Awards 2026 (WWA).

ALC.: 43% Volume: 700ml Suggested Retail Price: 4,800 yen + tax Quantity Available: 180 bottles

[Tasting Notes] An elegant and well-balanced single malt. The aroma features orange, ginger, and honey. The palate is bright and refreshing, with notes of toffee apple, peach syrup, and biscuits.

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2. Hinch Peated Single Malt

This is the first single malt from the Hinch Distillery, founded in 2020, to use only their own in-house distilled spirits. While Irish whisky is often associated with being non-peated, smoky whiskies were once widely enjoyed. This bottle revives the style of 'triple-distilled peated whisky,' which has become rare globally in modern times, and is characterized by a light smoke flavor. It is matured in three types of casks: 1st-fill bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and Madeira wine casks.

ALC.: 43% Volume: 700ml Suggested Retail Price: 4,800 yen + tax Quantity Available: 180 bottles

[Tasting Notes] A lively peated single malt. The aroma features embers, heather, coal, and grilled pineapple. The palate begins with smoke, followed by honey, black pepper, smoked rock salt, and dark chocolate.

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About Hinch Distillery

Located near Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, this is one of the largest independent distilleries in Ireland. With a 'Grain to Glass' motto using locally sourced grain from County Down, operations began in 2020. While they have previously won numerous awards for whiskies matured and blended from other distillers' spirits, they finally released their own in-house distilled single malt in 2025. They are also focused on creating the smoky whiskies that were once popular in Ireland. Approximately 40% of their total production is dedicated to peated spirits, and the light smoke flavor drawn out by their traditional triple distillation is one of the distillery's defining characteristics.

[Company Overview] Company Name: Toko, Inc. Representative: Naotaka Totsuka, President and Representative Director Address: Asahi Seimei Ueno Showa-dori Bldg. 1F, 6-16-17 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo URL: https://www.toko-t.co.jp/

[Inquiries Regarding This Matter] Contact: Koichi Takenaka TEL: 03-3833-3541 FAX: 03-3832-6930 E-Mail: toko-eigyo@toko-t.co.jp

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: product_launch