History

SHINDO DISTILLERY and SHINDO LAB are located in Asakura, Fukuoka, presenting themselves as a whisky distillery in a constant pursuit of exceptional innovation. Their mission is to raise the value of Japanese whisky by creating iconic products that redefine global standards, all from Fukuoka. The products are characterized by innovative and distinctive craftsmanship that cannot be achieved by mass production, and they aim to deliver refined flavor experiences and surprises. They continue to inspire themselves to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Background

According to the site, Dr. Jokichi Takamine serves as a source of inspiration: about 100 years ago he was invited to the United States and attempted to make whisky with koji. This legacy has inspired SHINDO to pursue their own groundbreaking projects. About 40 years ago they began producing barrel-aged barley shochu using a unique method, and in 2021 they launched TAKAMINE KOJI FERMENTED WHISKEY in the USA as one of their most iconic projects. In the same year a new malt whisky project began at a new distillery; this project does not use koji and is therefore different from the TAKAMINE project. SHINDO LAB/SHINDO DISTILLERY uphold a philosophy of exploration and continuous challenge of existing boundaries.

Philosophy

SHINDO DISTILLERY follows the concept 'The Quest for the Original' – a pursuit of the original through a blend of established standards and innovative technologies and equipment. They emphasize scientifically based processes and seek to produce subtle aromas and complex flavor profiles that go beyond 1% of the total. They aim to raise the value of Japanese whisky and define future standards through iconic products and craftsmanship that cannot be achieved through mass production.

Ingredients and Methods

They challenge the conventional fermentation process, which normally uses one type of yeast, by adding an additional unique yeast strain to achieve layered aromas. This results in a rich, multi-layered spirit with a pronounced lactone aroma as a base and enriching aromas from various sources.

Production Environment

They have implemented the latest and specially manufactured machines and set precision parameters based on scientific data. In key phases of production, experienced staff perform manual work to ensure the highest quality.

Products / Whisky Series

SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL FOR CORES.02

The CORES.02 blend represents a mix of the classic and SHINDO's own approach: 67% peated bourbon, 15% non-peat bourbon, 13% new Mizunara, 3% cognac and 2% oloroso sherry. It is characterized by a hint of smoke and a full-bodied profile at the top, while the middle reveals the lactone-based character from new make and the sweetness of the wood. It also contains Mizunara notes and a finish that ties it all together.

SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL FOR CORES.01

CORES.01 consists of 55% chestnut cask, 43% bourbon, 2% cognac. Chestnut adds sweetness and a light bitter note; the blend of bourbon top/mid and cognac in the finishing phase provides a balanced finish. The lactone notes from new make combine with the chestnut aromas into a harmonious whole.

SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL 01

EXPERIMENTAL 01 is SHINDO's first Japanese single malt whisky, developed in 2025. The series focuses on expressing SHINDO's identity through milky/fatty (lactone) notes and limiting immaturity through careful sampling management and blending.

NEW MAKE

NEW MAKE is the raw spirit before cask aging and thus a kind of 'baby whisky.' Priced at around 2,750 JPY. It offers layered aromas such as lactone-based sweetness and green aldehyde notes and is recommended to be enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to experience aroma development. It is the base from which SHINDO later develops their malt whiskies under the concept The Quest for the Original.

NEW MAKE PEATED

A peated version of NEW MAKE, expressing subtle smoky notes without masking the other aromas. This variant won GOLD at WWA 2024.

Visits and Experiences

Distillery Tour

SHINDO LAB offers a tour of SHINDO DISTILLERY under the concept 'The Quest for the Original.' The tour lasts about 2 hours, including a tasting, and costs 5,000 JPY. Maximum 10 participants per tour. The guide may be Japanese or English; some tours have an English guide. The tour includes a whiskey tasting; if you do not participate in the tasting, the price cannot be reduced, and a take-home set is offered as an alternative.

Hand-fill Experience

At the distillery you can bottle and label your own whisky using a glass-cylinder hand-fill system – a unique experience in Japan, where you select an original aging cask and create a unique bottle.

Store and Experience at SHINDO LAB Stand

SHINDO LAB also has a concept store where you can buy limited-edition products and merchandise as well as news from SHINDO LAB. Beverages and food are also available in the store.

Contact and Overview

SHINDO DISTILLERY is located in Asakura by the Chikugo River in Kyushu, surrounded by nature and a pleasant climate. Access is described as car or express bus travel from Fukuoka Airport with onward transport to the distillery.

Sources: SHINDO DISTILLERY / SHINDO LAB's website.