The Current State of the Single Grain Produced by Destilería Yoshida Denzai. Exploring the Flavors and Character Brought Out by Two Years of Aging!
Produced by the Destilería Yoshida Denzai—operated by Yoshida Denzai Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Taito-ku, Tokyo, Distillery: Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture)—this single grain whisky is made primarily from Hokkaido-grown dent corn and aged for two years in new oak barrels.
1. Photos of the Bottle and Label
Destilería Yoshida Denzai Single Grain Star-Delta 2Y
Destilería Yoshida Denzai Single Grain Star-Delta 2Y
2. Characteristics of Single Grain Star-Delta 2Y
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This 700ml full-size bottle is made primarily from Hokkaido-grown dent corn and aged for two years in new oak barrels. We aimed to create a smooth, well-balanced profile with a multi-layered finish by layering the aromas, flavors, and aftertaste derived from the new oak barrels over the unique character of the raw ingredients, using expert blending techniques.
The name “Star-Delta” is derived from the “star-delta connection,” a transformer wiring method manufactured by Yoshida Denzai Kogyo.
Rather than simply adding elements such as aroma, flavor, and finish, we have reworked them into a single cohesive framework. We designed this bottle to reveal a more refined character as you drink it, culminating in a light, crisp finish.
Additionally, the bottle features a unique aluminum cap designed in collaboration with Yoshida Denzai Kogyo’s Machining Department. We perform the laser marking in-house and pay meticulous attention to every detail—from the way the edges are rounded to the surface that touches your hand and how the cap fits your fingers when twisted—infusing the precision of our craftsmanship into the very act of opening and closing the bottle.
The Second-Year Masterpiece, Expressed Through New-Barrel Aging
New oak barrels allow aromas and flavors to develop more readily, producing a well-defined taste even with relatively short maturation periods. The Destilería Yoshida Denzai recognized this characteristic and viewed the two-year maturation period not only as the first step toward further aging but also as a finished product meant to be enjoyed right now.
“Star-Delta 2Y” is deliberately presented in a full 700ml bottle. Please enjoy the unique character of new-oak barrel aging and the potential of grain whisky.
2-1. Tasting Notes
| Aroma | Caramel, corn flakes, baked goods, banana, and a hint of citrus peel |
| Taste | Vanilla cream, castella cake, with a spicy note reminiscent of white pepper on the finish |
| Finish | Dry wood, toasty grains, a relatively light finish |
2-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol Content | 53% |
| Category | whisky |
| Barrel Type | New American White Oak Barrels |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Number of Bottles Sold | Unknown |
| Suggested Retail Price | 8,800 yen (tax included) |
| Release Date | August 8, 2026 |
3. Awards
Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) 2026 – Gold Medal
4. List Price and Online Price
4-1. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
| Product Name | Destilería Yoshida Denzai Single Grain Star-Delta 2Y |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | 8,800 yen (tax included) |
4-2. Resale Price on Mercari
The resale price on Mercari is not currently listed. (*As of August 13, 2026)
4-3. Winning Bid Price on Yahoo! Auctions
We were unable to confirm the winning bid price on Yahoo! Auctions at this time. (As of August 13, 2026)
4-4. Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping, and Amazon
On online shopping sites, the item is sold for 9,900 yen. (As of August 13, 2026)
Even on Amazon and Rakuten Ichiba, the number of units available for sale is extremely low, highlighting the item’s high rarity.
4-5. Prices at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai,” operated by this site, we serve it at the following prices: 45 ml for 2,640 yen, 30 ml for 1,760 yen, and 15 ml for 880 yen.
5. About the Manufacturer
Yoshida Denzai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
| Established | 1940 |
| Headquarters Address | 3-43-6 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0016 |
| Distilleries Owned | Destilería Yoshida Denzai |
6. About the Distillery
Destilería Yoshida Denzai
The distillery is the “Destilería Yoshida Denzai,” located in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture.
| Address | 344-1 Yazuta, Murakami-City, Niigata Prefecture |
| Start of Operations | 2022 |
The Destilería Yoshida Denzai, which is dedicated to producing grain whisky in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, is a distillery founded by Yoshida Denzai Kogyo, a company established in 1940.Having long been involved in the design and manufacture of industrial and medical equipment, the company has entered the whisky production industry by leveraging the “manufacturing” expertise and quality control philosophy it has cultivated over the years.
Destilería Yoshida Denzai aims to explore new possibilities for grain whisky. While grain whisky is generally known as a base spirit used in blended whiskys, this distillery focuses on the unique character of the grain itself and strives to create whiskys that stand out on their own.
After obtaining a whisky production license in 2022, the distillery began full-scale distillation. As Japan’s first distillery dedicated exclusively to craft grain whisky, it is engaged in the research and development of base spirits using a variety of grains, including Hokkaido-grown corn, rice, buckwheat, and rye.
For distillation, the distillery uses hybrid stills manufactured by KOTHE of Germany. By finely adjusting distillation conditions, they produce base spirits tailored to the characteristics of the raw materials and the desired flavor profile. The water used for mashing is groundwater from the Arakawa River, which flows through Murakami City, where the distillery is located.
Furthermore, with the goal of eventually producing whisky made from 100% Japanese-grown grains, we are working in partnership with domestic farmers to cultivate the grains used as raw materials.
Building on the technical expertise and commitment to quality unique to a company with a manufacturing background, the Destilería Yoshida Denzai specializes in grain whisky. By leveraging Japan’s climate and the potential of domestically grown grains, we aim to create a Japanese whisky unlike any other.
■ Annual Production Volume: 100 kL (equivalent to 62 degrees)
■ Major Equipment: 1 crusher, 1 mash tun (5 kL), 1 fermentation tank (5.8 kL), 1 distillation still (Kothe hybrid still, 5 kL), 1 dehydrator
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Source: Destilería Yoshida Denzai website
7. Summary
“Destilería Yoshida Denzai Single Grain Star-Delta 2Y” harmonizes the gentle sweetness derived from Hokkaido-grown corn with vanilla and toasty nuances from new-oak barrel aging. After more than two years of aging, this whisky offers a light and refreshing mouthfeel that belies its 53% ABV, making it a truly appealing bottle.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that aging in new American white oak barrels for over two years means it meets the criteria to be labeled “Straight Bourbon” under U.S. standards. Not only can you enjoy the soft sweetness unique to grain whisky and the rich, barrel-derived flavors, but this bottle also builds anticipation for how its flavor will evolve with further aging!
Por último: Libros recomendados sobre el whisky japonés
Si quiere aprender más sobre el whisky japonés, que es una tendencia mundial, le recomendamos estos libros.
(1). El whisky japonés como educación para los negocios
Se trata de un libro escrito por Mamoru Tsuchiya, un crítico de whisky de fama mundial y representante del Instituto de Investigación de la Cultura del Whisky, titulado 《 El whisky japonés como cultura para los negocios. 》
El libro abarca los fundamentos del whisky, la introducción del whisky en Japón, el nacimiento del whisky japonés, las estrategias publicitarias y el auge del whisky japonés, y el actual auge de las destilerías artesanales. Se trata de un libro que resume el whisky japonés de forma muy fácil de entender.
(2). El whisky y yo (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, el fundador de Nikka Whisky, dedicó su vida a la elaboración de whisky en Japón. Esta es una versión revisada y reimpresa de la autobiografía de un hombre que simplemente amaba el whisky y hablaba de sí mismo. El libro describe vívidamente los días en que fue a Escocia solo para estudiar de joven y superó muchas dificultades para completar el whisky japonés, así como a su compañera, Rita.
(3). Una carta de desafío de una destilería de nueva generación
Lanzamiento en 2019. En un momento en el que el mundo está viviendo un boom del whisky sin precedentes, ¿en qué pensaban los responsables de las destilerías artesanales y cuáles fueron sus reflexiones cuando asumieron el reto de elaborar whisky? Este libro cuenta las historias de 13 propietarios de destilerías artesanales, incluido Ichiro Akuto, de Venture whisky, famoso por su Ichirose Malt, que inspiró el nacimiento de las destilerías artesanales en Japón.
(4). Whiskey Rising
Esta es la versión japonesa de Whisky Risng, publicada en Estados Unidos en 2016, con un contenido muy actualizado. No solo describe la historia del whisky japonés en detalle, sino que también incluye datos sobre todas las destilerías de Japón, incluidas las destilerías artesanales que se han fundado en los últimos años. El libro también incluye descripciones de las botellas legendarias que han salido al mercado, así como información sobre los bares donde se puede encontrar whisky japonés.
