Kanosuke Single Malt Whisky

Kanosuke (Kanosuke Distillery) · Kagoshima (Hioki, Fukiagehama coast)
Alcohol Whisky Alcohol Growing export

Kanosuke Distillery, founded in 2017 by shochu maker Komasa Jyozo on Kagoshima's Fukiagehama coast, makes single malt whisky often finished in ex-shochu casks. In 2021 it partnered with Diageo's Distill Ventures, with Diageo taking a minority stake. Kanosuke launched its three core expressions in the US (initial focus New York and California) and had its UK launch in September 2024, while expanding across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Australia. Supply is deliberately allocated as the young distillery scales its mature stock.

The supplierKagoshima coastal distillery est. 2017 (Komasa group); ex-shochu cask finishes; Diageo/Distill Ventures minority stake (2021).
Why it sells abroadCoastal Kagoshima single malt with ex-shochu cask DNA; Diageo backing; multi-market premium rollout.

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) Komasa Kanosuke Distillery (est. 2017, Hioki, Kagoshima; Komasa Jyozo group) received a minority investment from Diageo via Distill Ventures (2021). Distillery license assumed.
Pack formats700ml/750ml bottles; gift cartons; case packs (draft retained)
Shelf lifeLong / stable (distilled spirit)
StorageAmbient; keep upright, sealed, away from heat/light
Minimum orderTypical: allocation-based via importer
Lead timeTypical: allocation/release-driven
CapacityGrowing - young distillery scaling matured stock
Container loadTypical: ambient mixed container via importer
PricingPremium single malt tier; allocation pricing
OEM / private labelNo.
Wholesale & MOQDistributor wholesale via Diageo-linked and specialist importers
Key exporters & distributorsHigh Road Spirits (US), Diageo / Distill Ventures network, specialist Japanese-whisky importers (EU)
Export regulationTTB COLA + FDA prior notice (US); UK/EU spirit drinks rules; Japanese whisky labeling self-standard
Market demandHigh global collector/premium demand; supply-constrained
How to source itKanosuke Distillery -> Diageo/Distill Ventures-backed international sales (UK launch Sept 2024; US core range) -> premium retail/on-premise (confirmed)
Verified sourceshttps://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2021/japanese-whisky-maker-komasa-kanosuke-distillery-announces-investment; https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2024/07/kanosuke-japanese-whisky-heads-to-us/
MakerKanosuke Distillery Co., Ltd. (Komasa group)
OriginKagoshima (Hioki, Fukiagehama coast)
CategoryAlcohol / Whisky
Available inUnited States, United Kingdom, China +4 more
HandlingAlcohol
Price tierPremium
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessGrowing export
HS code2208.30
+ Add to list

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.