KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY: A Cross-Cultural Whisky

Born in Scotland, Raised in Japan – A Blended Whisky That Honors Legacy and Innovation

Tenkyo Distillery, nestled at the foot of Mt. Bandai in Aizu, Japan, has unveiled a remarkable new expression: KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY. This blended whisky pays homage to the distillery’s visionary founder, Shunsuke Koike, who passed away at the young age of 28. Uniting Scottish new make spirit with Japanese maturation expertise, this release embodies a profound cultural fusion. Though its spirit hails from Scotland, its soul is distinctly Japanese—matured, blended, and bottled entirely in Aizu. Launching on 6th July 2025, this expression is available exclusively in Japan—for now.

Design and Presentation

The 700ml bottle of KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY is a quiet tribute to Koike’s legacy. The name “KAZE” (風), meaning wind in Japanese, reflects both the elemental connection between Scotland and Japan, and the founder’s enduring spirit. The label and packaging evoke subtle elegance, blending natural tones with a minimalist aesthetic—fitting for a whisky that flows like wind across continents.

Maturation and Flavor Profile

KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY is matured through a bespoke Solera system built from 189 original casks, each hand-selected by Koike before the distillery's construction was complete. Featuring 58 different cask types, this experimental approach highlights a rare interplay of oak, time, and terroir. Neither strictly a Scotch nor a Japanese whisky, it symbolizes a cross-cultural journey, evolving with every bottling, much like an ever-moving wind.

Tasting Notes

Color: Amber Nose:

• Raisins and figs
• White chocolate and brown sugar
• Gentle spices with a wisp of smoke

Palate:

• Toffee and roasted nuts
• Almonds and juicy apricots
• Soft smokiness adding depth and complexity

Finish:

• Subtle bitterness with cigar-like tones
• Balanced by a warm, lingering sweetness