Oriental Brewing to Release Ishikawa's First Whisky, "Hakurai," on March 20
Oriental Brewing's Yuwaku Brewery (Ishikawa) has set March 20, 2026 as the release date for its Kanazawa whisky "Hakurai," which it is promoting as both the company's first whisky and the first in Ishikawa Prefecture. Sales will begin at the new store inside Kanazawa Station Hyakubangai "Anto," and paid tastings of limited-edition cask spirits are also planned.
Hop BroHot new product news from Kanazawa! Oriental Brewing's Yuwaku Brewery is releasing Kanazawa whisky "Hakurai" on March 20, 2026.
MugiWait, that craft beer brewery is making whisky?
Hop BroExactly. It's their first whisky, and they're also positioning it as the first in Ishikawa Prefecture. It will go on sale at the new store in Kanazawa Station Hyakubangai "Anto," so it's got plenty of buzz.
MugiOh, I see. What kind of style is it? Is it beer-like?
Hop BroIt's whisky. The ingredients are interesting: it uses rice (produced in Japan) and barley malt. The idea is to bring in the bright aroma from the malt and soften the mouthfeel with rice.
MugiWhat is that? You suddenly sound like a pro talking about "malt-derived aroma"!
Hop BroBasically, it means the aroma lifts softly and the drink goes down smoothly and gently! It's 40% alcohol, but the key point is that they're aiming for a light, easy-drinking profile.
MugiOh, that sounds easy to drink! What about sizes and prices?
Hop BroThe 700ml bottle is 5,500 yen including tax, and the 200ml bottle is 2,200 yen including tax. With both a standard size and a smaller option, it's easy to use for tastings and gifts.
MugiA small size is a huge help! I want to make my "Hakurai debut" with the 200ml one first!
Hop BroOn top of that, "Oriental Kanazawa Distillery Anto Store" is also scheduled to open at "Anto" that day, and they'll even have paid tastings of limited cask spirits. Being able to check the direction of the flavor on site is almost a big event for drink lovers.
MugiIt's decided then! Let's meet at Kanazawa Station on March 20 and go drink Hakurai together!
A new development that craft beer fans will want to watch has come out of Kanazawa. Oriental Brewing will release its Kanazawa whisky "Hakurai" on March 20, 2026 at a new store inside Kanazawa Station's "Anto."
According to the company's announcement, "Hakurai" is its first whisky, made in part with domestically produced rice as an ingredient. It is designed to combine the elegant aroma derived from malt with the smooth mouthfeel and light character brought by rice, expressing a sense of local identity through an approach different from beer. In addition to the standard size, a smaller format will also be available to meet demand for gifts and side-by-side tastings.
Product Overview
- Kanazawa Whisky Hakurai (700ml)
- Alcohol content: 40%
- Ingredients: Rice (produced in Japan), barley malt
- Suggested retail price: 5,000 yen (5,500 yen including tax)
- Kanazawa Whisky Hakurai (200ml)
- Alcohol content: 40%
- Ingredients: Rice (produced in Japan), barley malt
- Suggested retail price: 2,000 yen (2,200 yen including tax)
On the release day, "Oriental Kanazawa Distillery Anto Store" is also scheduled to open inside Kanazawa Station Hyakubangai "Anto." In addition to in-store sales, the shop plans to offer paid tastings of limited cask spirits, making it a place where visitors can check the flavor profile on the spot.
Behind this launch is the company's long-standing commitment to brewing in the Yuwaku hot spring area, Kanazawa's inner retreat. Oriental Brewing's Yuwaku Brewery has continued to make sake with a focus on collaboration with local partners and regional resources. It can be seen as an effort to apply the "local-first" approach it developed through beer to whisky as well. For readers who have followed craft beer, this is a step worth paying attention to.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroHot new product news from Kanazawa! Oriental Brewing's Yuwaku Brewery is releasing Kanazawa whisky "Hakurai" on March 20, 2026.
MugiWait, that craft beer brewery is making whisky?
Hop BroExactly. It's their first whisky, and they're also positioning it as the first in Ishikawa Prefecture. It will go on sale at the new store in Kanazawa Station Hyakubangai "Anto," so it's got plenty of buzz.
MugiOh, I see. What kind of style is it? Is it beer-like?
Hop BroIt's whisky. The ingredients are interesting: it uses rice (produced in Japan) and barley malt. The idea is to bring in the bright aroma from the malt and soften the mouthfeel with rice.
MugiWhat is that? You suddenly sound like a pro talking about "malt-derived aroma"!
Hop BroBasically, it means the aroma lifts softly and the drink goes down smoothly and gently! It's 40% alcohol, but the key point is that they're aiming for a light, easy-drinking profile.
MugiOh, that sounds easy to drink! What about sizes and prices?
Hop BroThe 700ml bottle is 5,500 yen including tax, and the 200ml bottle is 2,200 yen including tax. With both a standard size and a smaller option, it's easy to use for tastings and gifts.
MugiA small size is a huge help! I want to make my "Hakurai debut" with the 200ml one first!
Hop BroOn top of that, "Oriental Kanazawa Distillery Anto Store" is also scheduled to open at "Anto" that day, and they'll even have paid tastings of limited cask spirits. Being able to check the direction of the flavor on site is almost a big event for drink lovers.
MugiIt's decided then! Let's meet at Kanazawa Station on March 20 and go drink Hakurai together!
