Asaka 'The First' Single Malt

Asaka (Sasanokawa Shuzo) · Fukushima (Koriyama)
Alcohol Whisky Alcohol Growing export

Sasanokawa Shuzo, a Koriyama (Fukushima) maker with whisky roots dating to 1946, restarted distillation in 2016 at its Asaka Distillery, the oldest craft whisky operation in Tohoku. Its first single malt, 'Asaka The First,' was released in December 2019. The whisky is exported through specialist Japanese-whisky importers in the US and Europe. Sasanokawa's long heritage and post-revival single malts have made Asaka a sought-after craft name.

The supplierKoriyama (Fukushima) maker (Sasanokawa Shuzo) with whisky history since 1946; Asaka Distillery restarted 2016; Tohoku's oldest craft whisky.
Why it sells abroadTohoku's oldest craft whisky operation; pre-war whisky heritage revived; collectible single casks.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsHalal: not publicly verified. Organic-JAS: not publicly verified. Kosher: not publicly verified. HACCP/FSSC 22000: not publicly verified. (confirmed) Sasanokawa Shuzo (in business since 1765; Tohoku's first whisky license 1946) opened Asaka Distillery in 2016 (Koriyama, Fukushima); 'Asaka The First' single malt released Dec 2019 (~1,500 bottles). Distillery license assumed.
Pack formats700ml bottles; single-cask releases; case packs (draft retained)
Shelf lifeLong / stable (distilled spirit)
StorageAmbient; keep upright, sealed, away from heat/light
Minimum orderTypical: allocation/case via importer
Lead timeTypical: release/allocation-driven
CapacityGrowing - craft distillery building mature stock
Container loadTypical: ambient mixed container via importer
PricingPremium single malt tier
OEM / private labelNo.
Wholesale & MOQWholesale via specialist Japanese-whisky importers (US/EU)
Key exporters & distributorsSpecialist Japanese-whisky importers (US/EU)
Export regulationTTB COLA + FDA prior notice (US); UK/EU spirit drinks rules; Japanese whisky labeling self-standard
Market demandStrong collector demand in US/EU specialist channels
How to source itSasanokawa/Asaka -> specialist importers (US/EU; Yamazakura via Mangrove UK) and Asia (Shanghai) -> premium retail (confirmed export presence)
Verified sourceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asaka_distillery; https://www.nomunication.jp/distillery/asaka/
MakerSasanokawa Shuzo Co., Ltd. (Asaka Distillery)
OriginFukushima (Koriyama)
CategoryAlcohol / Whisky
Available inUnited States, United Kingdom, France, Germany
HandlingAlcohol
Price tierPremium
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessGrowing export
HS code2208.30
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.