Three years in the making. One beginning.
A lifetime ahead.

2026.11.7 SAT

COUNTDOWN

First Release

100 DAYS

NEWS

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about the bottle

KOMORO ORIGIN

KOMORO ORIGIN

Three years have passed since our first distillation.
Each and every cask selected has been nurtured with unwavering dedication by our craftsmen in their pursuit of excellence. Shaped by the natural bounty of the foothills of Mount Asama, the changing seasons of Komoro, and the quiet passage of time, this whisky embodies both the artistry of its makers and the vision that defines the future of KOMORO.
KOMORO ORIGIN is where nature's gifts, meticulous craftsmanship, and time converge as one. It marks not only the first milestone in Komoro Distillery's journey, but also the beginning of a legacy that will continue through generations to come.

SINGLE MALT JAPANESE WHISKY
KOMORO ORIGIN
Alcohol: 48% ABV
Volume: 200 ml / 700 ml

An overview of purchasing options will be available in the FAQ section.

First Release Event

Three years in the making. One beginning. A lifetime ahead.

To mark the debut of Komoro Distillery’s first Single Malt Japanese Whisky, we have prepared a series of special events and experiences.

Guests from Japan and around the world are invited to gather in Komoro for this historic occasion. Through the landscapes, culture, and enduring spirit of craftsmanship that define this remarkable place, we invite you to share in the beginning of a new chapter in the story of KOMORO.

EVENT / SCHEDULE

11/6

Celebration Day

Visions of the Future of KOMORO, Celebrated as One.

A day to celebrate the beginning of Komoro’s next chapter with everyone who has patiently awaited this moment.

The programme begins with a special talk featuring distinguished guests and Master Distiller & Blender Ian Chang, reflecting on the journey that has brought KOMORO to this moment and the vision that lies ahead. Following the commemorative ceremony, guests will gather at 6:00 p.m. for KOMORO = KANPAI, raising their glasses together in celebration of the beginning of a remarkable new journey.

11/7

First Release Day

The bottle that marks the origin of KOMORO is finally unveiled to the world.

Komoro Distillery’s first Single Malt Japanese Whisky now enters the world.

Born from a profound connection to this land and brought to expression through the uncompromising dedication of our craftsmen, it embodies the unique character of KOMORO. With its release, a new chapter in the story of Komoro Distillery begins.

11/7-15

First Release Week

Explore KOMORO - The Spirit of Celebration Spreads Across the City

To commemorate the First Release, a series of special seminars will be presented by Ian Chang, Whisky Academy creator Eddie Ludlow, and other distinguished guests.

The programme will also include pairing courses and tastings at the distillery as well as collaborative experiences throughout the town and opportunities to discover Komoro’s rich history and culture. Together, these thoughtfully curated events invite guests to experience many facets of the city of Komoro.

EVENT / SCHEDULE

VOICES / STORIES

Expectations and Hope Towards the First Release

VOICES brings together the words of those who have shared in our journey and eagerly await this moment.

STORIES explores the path of Komoro Distillery, the philosophy that guides us, and our deep connection to this land.

Through these voices and stories, we invite you to discover the people, philosophy, and places that have shaped KOMORO on its journey to the First Release.

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about komoro distillery

A Single Malt Whisky born of Mount Asama's forests and pure waters.

Komoro Distillery is devoted to crafting Single Malt Japanese Whisky in Komoro, Nagano Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Asama, where forests, pure water, and a distinctive climate shape the character of our whisky.

Guided by Master Distiller & Blender Ian Chang, we pursue uncompromising quality at every stage, from spirit production and cask selection to maturation and blending.

To share the depth and beauty of whisky with a wider audience, our Visitor Centre is located alongside the working distillery. Through our bar, Whisky Academy, and a range of experiences unique to the distillery, we invite guests to immerse themselves in the world of whisky and enjoy a truly exceptional time.

To discover more about Komoro Distillery, please visit our official website and social media.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

visit komoro

methods of access

Komoro Distillery: 4630-1 Ko, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture

If you require special assistance, we kindly ask that you contact us in advance via the inquiry form.

By Train

The nearest stations accessible via Hokuriku Shinkansen are Sakudaira Station and Karuizawa Station.

From Sakudaira Station to Komoro Station: approximately 15 minutes on the JR Koumi Line
From Karuizawa Station to Komoro Station: approximately 25 minutes on the Shinano Railway

From Komoro Station to Komoro Distillery: approximately 10 minutes by taxi
From Sakudaira Station to Komoro Distillery: approximately 25 minutes by taxi

By Car

The nearest interchange is Komoro IC off the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.

Please note that the distillery parking lot will not be available during the First Release event period. Guests arriving by car are kindly requested to use public parking facilities near Komoro Station.

Shuttle Bus

On Saturdays and Sundays, guests may use the Komoro Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus, which connects major attractions around Komoro City.

The ride from Komoro Station to Komoro Distillery takes approximately 10 minutes.

One Day Ride Tickets
Fare: ¥500 for adults / ¥300 for children

Additional bus services are also planned during the event period. Please refer here for the latest schedules and service information.

online store

KOMORO DISTILLERY
OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE

We offer a carefully selected range of items from those available at the Komoro Distillery shop. *Shipping is available within Japan only.

Visit Store

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

For inquiries about matters not listed here, or for press and media inquiries, please contact us using the inquiry form.

KOMORO ORIGIN (700ml) will go on sale at Komoro Distillery on Saturday, 7 November 2026.

At present, there are no plans to sell KOMORO ORIGIN outside Komoro Distillery. Due to the limited number of bottles available in the initial release, bottles will only be available for general purchase at the distillery. Online sales are also not planned.

If you wish to purchase a bottle, please book a ticket that includes the right to purchase a bottle in your preferred size.

Bottles are not sold separately. Please book a ticket in advance that includes the right to purchase a bottle in your preferred size.

The right to purchase a 700ml bottle is included with selected seminars and the Celebration Lunch Experience, while the right to purchase a 200ml bottle is included with the 1st Release Experience.
Please note that tickets that include the right to purchase a bottle do not include the cost of the bottle. The bottle must be paid for separately at the distillery when purchased.

Please note that the 1st Release Signature Package on November 7th includes the cost of a 700ml bottle, so no additional payment is required at the distillery.

Please see the EVENT / SCHEDULE page for details of each programme.

During the event period from November 7th to the 15th, a shuttle bus service will be operating between Komoro Station and Komoro Distillery. Event participants may use these buses on the day of their visit.

Further information, including operating dates, routes and timetables, will be announced once confirmed. As arrangements are still being finalised, service details is subject to change.

Please note that the parking lot at Komoro Distillery will not be available during the event period. Please use public transport such as buses or taxis. Whisky tastings will not be offered to anyone who will be driving.

KOMORO=KANPAI is a toast event held on November 6th, the day before KOMORO ORIGIN goes on sale, where everyone can celebrate its launch together.

Guests will raise a glass to the call of ‘KOMORO’ and enjoy KOMORO ORIGIN ahead of its official release.

There will also be a live stream from Komoro Distillery. At 6.00 pm on November 6th 2026, everyone will raise a glass together to the call of ‘KOMORO’. Details of how to watch the live stream will be announced on the special website.

Bottles will not be available for purchase. However, guests taking part in the Full Celebration Experience or KOMORO=KANPAI & Reception programmes will receive a special commemorative gift containing a 200ml bottle.

Please see the EVENT / SCHEDULE page for details.

KOMORO ORIGIN in both 700ml and 200ml sizes will go on sale on 7 November 2026.

To take part in any programme held at Komoro Distillery, please purchase the relevant ticket in advance. Review the programme details on the special website, then book via the reservation page.

Some programmes, including seminars and the special lunch, are already fully booked or have only a few spots remaining. We recommend booking early.

Please note that the right to purchase a 700ml bottle of KOMORO ORIGIN is included with the lunch and selected seminars. The 1st Release Experience includes the right to purchase a 200ml bottle.

Please choose according to the experience you would like and your preferred bottle size.

There are two types of tickets: tickets that include a bottle in the ticket price, and tickets that include the right to purchase a bottle at the distillery.

Tickets that include the right to purchase a bottle do not include the cost of the bottle, which must be paid separately at the distillery when you make your bottle purchase.

Please see the EVENT / SCHEDULE page for details.

Examples
• If you would like to celebrate the launch of KOMORO ORIGIN together:
‘KOMORO=KANPAI’ on November 6th

• If you would like to visit the distillery, enjoy a tasting and purchase a 200ml bottle:
‘1st Release Experience’

• If you would like to learn about whisky at a seminar and purchase a 700ml bottle:
Ian Chang’s ‘Road to Origin’ or ‘Beyond Origin’ seminar
Eddie Ludlow’s ‘Whisky Basics’ or ‘Sherry 2’ seminar

• If you would like to celebrate the launch of KOMORO ORIGIN over a special lunch:
‘Celebration Lunch’

The programme includes a special KOMORO ORIGIN pairing, a tour of the maturation warehouse, a commemorative pin made from cask wood used at Komoro Distillery, and the right to purchase a 200ml bottle. The cost of the bottle is not included in the ticket price and must be paid for separately at the distillery.

A shuttle bus is available for travel between Komoro Station and Komoro Distillery. You will receive a one-day shuttle bus pass at reception.

This limited-time programme is led by Eddie Ludlow, Chief Educator at Komoro Distillery, who will be visiting Japan during the First Release period. He will guide participants through the tasting himself.

You will taste Komoro Distillery’s new make spirit before maturation, three types of sherry used to season sherry casks, and rare maturing spirit from each of those cask types.

The programme also includes a special tour, a commemorative gift and the right to purchase a 700ml bottle. The cost of the bottle is not included in the ticket price and must be paid separately at the distillery.

During First Release Week, KOMORO ORIGIN will be available as part of selected programmes at Komoro Distillery.

On November 6th it will also be served from 6.00 pm for that day only at participating KOMORO=KANPAI venues.

Yes. November is a wonderful time to enjoy seasonal food and autumn colours in Komoro.

During the event period, shops near the shuttle bus stops will offer special activities, and a special Whisky Street Event will also be held. The timing coincides with the Autumn Leaves Festival and Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Kaikoen Garden, and visitors can also enjoy activities such as apple picking.

There is no age restriction for attending the event. Guests under the age of 20 may enter when accompanied by a parent or guardian, but they may not be served alcohol or take part in seminars. Alcohol will also not be served to anyone who will be driving.

As a general rule, cancellations, changes, and refunds requested for personal reasons cannot be accepted after a ticket has been purchased.

If the event is cancelled, further information on the arrangements will be provided separately.
Please review the terms and conditions on the external ticket booking website before making your purchase.