Created by a Japanese chemist in the heartland of America, Takamine koji-fermented whiskey
makes every sip an elevated experience.
SCROLL TO EXPLORE
Takamine 8 Year Whiskey
drink elevated.
drink takamine.
drink takamine.
8 Yrs
aged
80.6
proof
Japan
made
Koji
fermented
Takamine 8 Year
Koji Whiskey
Produced & Matured by Shinozaki Distillery
Thanks to the patented Takamine Process, which uses Japanese Koji mold to help ferment the barley, this 8-year whiskey perfectly blends rich umami character with an underlying sweetness.
TASTING NOTES
Discerning drinkers will notice caramel, pipe tobacco, dark cherries, and milk chocolate tempered by a refined, savory character rarely found in modern whiskies.
WHISKEY DETAILS
- 80.6 Proof / 40.3% ABV
- 750 ml
- Koji fermented
- Double pot distilled
- Aged in American white oak casks
- Produced & Matured by Shinozaki Distillery
The first
Japanese whiskey
has a uniquely
American story.
THE TAKAMINE STORY
1891
Inspiration. Adversity.
Perseverance. Redemption.
When Japanese scientist Dr. Jokichi Takamine first used koji spores to create a maltless whiskey in a Peoria, Illinois distillery in 1891, his innovation promised to revolutionize the whiskey industry. However, a combination of arson, racism, backroom deals, and government agents derailed his revolution by early 1894.
Takamine went on to make historic contributions to medicine and culture — creating medical adrenaline and donating thousands of iconic cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C. — but his patented whiskey process disappeared. Or so it seemed.
Takamine went on to make historic contributions to medicine and culture — creating medical adrenaline and donating thousands of iconic cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C. — but his patented whiskey process disappeared. Or so it seemed.
The Revival of Takamine
Fortunately, the family-run Shinozaki Distillery, with permission from the Takamine Family Trust, revived the Takamine Process, and the iconic koji-fermented whiskey was reborn.
Crafted with Japanese koji and aged in American White Oak, Takamine Whiskey captures the beauty of both cultures in a classic spirit that lives up to its name.
Crafted with Japanese koji and aged in American White Oak, Takamine Whiskey captures the beauty of both cultures in a classic spirit that lives up to its name.
The Takamine Whiskey Family
Discover Our
Whiskey
Whiskey
Takamine 8 Year
Koji Whiskey
Notes of Caramel, pipe tobacco, dark cherries, and milk chocolate tempered by a refined, earthy savory character rarely found in modern whiskies.
Takamine Sakura Cask Whiskey
100% single malt barley whiskey, double copper pot distilled and aged for 6yrs in American White Oak casks. Finished in special casks whose barrel heads were made with cherry blossom trees.
Takamine 17 Year
Koji Whiskey
Blend of three early Takamine Whiskey experimental casks from 2006-2007. Notes of coconut, banana, tobacco, and vanilla. Buttery with a moderate oak finish.
Takamine 20 Year
Koji Whiskey
Blend of four early Takamine Whiskey experimental casks from 2003-2004. Notes of caramel and ripe tropical fruit. Well-integrated oak with an exceptionally long finish.
Takamine 21 Year
Koji Whiskey
Early Takamine Whiskey experimental cask #3930 from 2003 was bottled as a single cask. Dark chocolate, toffee, and cherry with balanced oak expression. 432 bottles available.
Takamine 23 Year
Koji Whiskey
Early Takamine Whiskey experimental cask #3394 from 2000 was bottled as a single cask. Ripe plum, menthol, and medicinal herbs with balanced oak expression. 134 bottles available.
Takamine 26 Year
Koji Whiskey
The last surviving original Takamine Whiskey experimental casks from 1998. Notes of mature sherry, salted caramel, pomegranate molasses, and leather. Only 606 bottles available.
Find a Retailer Near You.
Enter your location below to find a Takamine retailer in your area.
Get exclusive updates, news, and promos.
