
Kujira is a Japanese whisky born from the sun-drenched island of Okinawa, rooted in the archipelago's centuries-old awamori traditions. Produced under the Shinano World portfolio — which also includes Shinobu Whisky and Shin Whisky — Kujira represents a deeply regional expression of Japanese spirits, drawing on distilling knowledge that long predates modern whisky production in Japan. What sets Kujira apart is its entirely unique production process: the whisky is made from 100% Thai Indica rice, saccharified, fermented, and distilled using black koji — an ingredient native to Okinawa and central to awamori tradition. The spirit is then aged in oak casks, with expressions matured in brandy and sherry casks also part of the range. The result is a whisky that is unmistakably tropical in character: rich, sweet, and carrying a distinctive funkiness that reflects both its island origins and its koji-driven fermentation. Notable releases include a 20-year-old expression, showcasing the brand's commitment to long-aged whisky. Kujira has earned a loyal international following, with a strong presence in markets including Australia and North America. It is widely celebrated as one of the most distinctive and unconventional expressions in the broader Japanese whisky category, offering drinkers something genuinely unlike anything else on the market.
Portfolio (3)
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- Country
- Japan
