Three years after starting distillation on June 20, 2023, Komoro Distillery will release its first Single Malt Japanese Whisky, KOMORO ORIGIN, in 700ml bottles on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The initial release will be limited to 4,000 bottles.

To celebrate this milestone, ‘KOMORO = KANPAI’ will be held on Friday, November 6. From Saturday, November 7 through Sunday, November 15, a nine-day programme titled ‘KOMORO FIRST RELEASE WEEK’ will take place at Komoro Distillery and at various locations throughout the city.

On Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, special talk sessions themed around KOMORO ORIGIN will feature internationally renowned whisky writer and critic Charles MacLean MBE and Caroline Lennon, eldest daughter of the late Dr. Jim Swan, as special guests. They will be joined by Ian Chang, Master Distiller & Blender at Komoro Distillery, with Eddie Ludlow, Chief Educator at Komoro Distillery, serving as MC.

A range of other special programmes designed to offer a deeper understanding and enjoyment of KOMORO ORIGIN will also be available, including a masterclass led by Ian Chang and a newly revamped Whisky Academy launching in conjunction with the First Release.

Full details of the KOMORO ORIGIN launch celebrations, including information on each event and programme, have now been published on the dedicated First Release website.

Ticket reservations for the individual programmes will open at noon on Sunday, August 23.

Komoro Distillery’s first Single Malt Japanese Whisky, KOMORO ORIGIN, will be gradually unveiled on the dedicated website in the lead-up to its release on 7 November.

 

KOMORO ORIGIN — Komoro Distillery’s First Single Malt
Since distillation first began on June 20, 2023, Komoro Distillery has continued to make whisky in the natural environment of Komoro with the aim of creating Japanese whisky that can stand proudly on the world stage.

The first major milestone in that journey is KOMORO ORIGIN, born after three years of maturation. The name ‘ORIGIN’ represents both the starting point of Komoro Distillery and the hopes for the future of KOMORO whisky that begins here.

The release on November 7 is to be more than simply the day where a bottle of whisky is introduced to the world. It will be an opportunity to celebrate its birth together with everyone who has supported Komoro Distillery along the way, and to welcome the beginning of a new story together. With this in mind, ‘KOMORO = KANPAI’ and ‘KOMORO FIRST RELEASE WEEK’ will be held.

 

Two Days of Special Talk Sessions Exploring KOMORO ORIGIN

Over two days, Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, special talk sessions centred on KOMORO ORIGIN will be held.

Special guests will include internationally renowned whisky writer and critic Charles MacLean MBE and Caroline Lennon, eldest daughter of the late Dr. Jim Swan. Together with Ian Chang, Master Distiller & Blender at Komoro Distillery, they will discuss the distillery’s journey so far, the ideas and aspirations behind KOMORO ORIGIN, the whisky-making philosophy that underpins it, and their vision for the future.

The sessions will be hosted by Eddie Ludlow, Chief Educator at Komoro Distillery.

Charles MacLean MBE
A world-renowned authority on whisky and the author of numerous books on the subject. The founding editor of Whisky Magazine, he was inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich, the prestigious title awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Scotch whisky industry, in 1992 and elevated to Master of the Quaich in 2009. In 2016, he was inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame, and in 2021 he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Caroline Lennon (née Swan)
The eldest daughter of the late Dr. Jim Swan, a renowned authority in the whisky industry who was widely known as the ‘Einstein of Whisky’. Working under Dr. Swan, she gained experience in the field of whisky science, supporting research into the maturation of Scotch whisky. Her work also included preparing water samples from distilleries across Scotland and assisting with regular microbiological analyses.

Ian Chang
Co-Founder / Vice President / Master Distiller & Blender, Komoro Distillery
Responsible for the production of whiskies and recepient of more than 500 prestigious awards, including IWSC Global Distiller of the Year and IWSC Spirits Producer of the Year.

Eddie Ludlow
Chief Educator, Komoro Distillery
A recipient of the prestigious title Keeper of the Quaich. In 2008, he founded the UK-based whisky events company The Whisky Lounge. He is also the author of the bestselling Whisky – A Tasting Course, widely regarded as an essential guide to whisky tasting, and serves as a judge for the IWSC.

Exploring KOMORO ORIGIN Over Two Days
On November 6, a special session will look back on Komoro Distillery’s journey to date and explore how its philosophy has taken shape in a single whisky: KOMORO ORIGIN. On November 7, the day of its release, the discussion will turn to the future that Komoro Distillery envisions beyond KOMORO ORIGIN.

Further details, including the talk session programme, schedule and ticket information, are available on the dedicated First Release website and the ticketing website.

November 6: ‘KOMORO = KANPAI’
On Friday, November 6, the day before the release, “KOMORO = KANPAI” will be held alongside the special talk session to celebrate the birth of KOMORO ORIGIN together.

This programme was created from the desire to share the beginning of a new whisky journey for KOMORO with as many people as possible.

The main venue at Komoro Distillery will be connected with satellite venues in various locations. At exactly 6:00 p.m., everyone will raise a glass of KOMORO ORIGIN and make a simultaneous toast with the call of ‘KOMORO!’ Afterwards, each venue will celebrate the birth of KOMORO ORIGIN in its own style, with its own food and special presentations.

November 7-15: KOMORO FIRST RELEASE WEEK
Taste, Learn, Explore: Nine Days to Enjoy the Town Where KOMORO ORIGIN Is Born
From Saturday, November 7, the release date of KOMORO ORIGIN, through Sunday, November 15, ‘KOMORO FIRST RELEASE WEEK’ will be held.

At Komoro Distillery, a wide range of special experiences will be offered exclusively during this period, including a masterclass led by Master Distiller & Blender Ian Chang, a newly revamped Whisky Academy launching in conjunction with the First Release, tastings of KOMORO ORIGIN, maturation warehouse tours, and special food programmes.

Over these nine days, the aim is to extend the experience beyond the distillery and into the town of Komoro itself. November is one of Komoro’s most beautiful and abundant seasons, when the trees are filled with autumn colour and apples and wine are at their seasonal best. Alongside KOMORO ORIGIN, the hope is to create opportunities for visitors to experience the distinctive scenery and flavours of the region.

Details of events and programmes taking place throughout the town will be announced gradually on the dedicated First Release website and through local venues and organisations.

About the Dedicated Website

In addition to information on ‘KOMORO = KANPAI’ and ‘KOMORO FIRST RELEASE WEEK’, the dedicated website introduces detailed information about KOMORO ORIGIN, the ideas and aspirations behind the whisky, and messages of anticipation from the many people who have supported and followed its journey.

The dedicated website can be accessed here: https://komoro-first-release.com/