Shinobu Distillery Ltd

Shinobu Distillery – The Spirit of Niigata

Founded in 2016 by brewer and whisky enthusiast Ken Usami, Shinobu Distillery was created with a clear ambition: to craft a whisky that expresses the distinctive character of Niigata.

Known as the region of three white treasures — snow, rice and sake — Niigata provides pure snowmelt water and a natural foundation for whisky making. Shinobu combines this local character with a distinctly Japanese approach to maturation, finishing its whiskies in rare Mizunara Japanese oak.

The name Shinobu means forbearance — patience, perseverance and the strength to endure. It is a fitting philosophy for whisky, where time is an essential ingredient. The distillery brings together carefully selected malt whiskies, different cask styles and Mizunara to create expressions with depth, balance and a distinctly Japanese character.

From Niigata’s snowfields to Japanese oak, Shinobu is a young distillery with a long-term vision.

Born from snow. Shaped by patience. Finished in Mizunara.