In order to express Miyajima, the symbol of Hiroshima prefecture, we turned to “Hamagou”, a botanical that has been used as incense since the Heian period (794–1185). Known as a hidden “botanical sanctuary”, this special island is home to abundant Hamagou. We have now incorporated this distinctive local botanical into SAKURAO GIN, which is crafted using carefully selected Hiroshima ingredients and traditional distillation methods to create SAKURAO GIN HAMAGOU.

The 2026 Edition marks the ninth annual release of SAKURAO GIN HAMAGOU. It features the refreshing herbal aroma of the Hamagou, a coastal flower that flourishes along the shores of Miyajima.

We will continue to challenge ourselves in pursuit of even greater excellence.

Created as a special anniversary gift, the SOGAINI Can-shaped Glass is an original glass designed in the shape of a standard 350 mL beverage can, allowing whisky lovers to enjoy the same familiar capacity in an elegant glass.

The design features the SOGAINI brand logo together with motifs inspired by SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery’s two whisky maturation warehouses: the SAKURAO Warehouse, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, and the TOGOUCHI Warehouse, nestled in the rich natural surroundings of the Chugoku Mountains in Akiota, Hiroshima.

With Japan’s scheduled revision of liquor tax rates for certain alcoholic beverages, including ready-to-drink products, in October 2026, preparing highballs at home will become an even more accessible and enjoyable way to appreciate whisky.

Enjoy SOGAINI exactly the way you like it—with your preferred balance of whisky, sparkling water, and ice—served in the exclusive SOGAINI Can Glass. As this is a limited-edition release, we encourage customers to purchase early while supplies last.

●About Blended Japanese Whisky SOGAINI

SOGAINI is a Blended Japanese Whisky produced exclusively from malt and grain whiskies that are fermented, distilled, and matured entirely by SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery. Produced in accordance with the standards established by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA), SOGAINI delivers authentic Japanese whisky quality while remaining attractively priced at under JPY 2,000 (excluding tax).

◎Blended Japanese Whisky SOGAINI (with Exclusive SOGAINI Can Glass)

■Category

：　Whisky

■Volume

：　700 mL

■Alcohol Content

：　40% ABV

■Suggested Retail Price

：　JPY 2,000 (excluding tax)

■Ingredients

：　Malt, grain

■Raw Material Origin

：　Produced in Japan (grain whisky, malt whisky)

◎SOGAINI Can Glass

■Features

：　An original can-shaped glass with the same capacity as a standard 350 mL beverage can.

■Design

：　Decorated with motifs inspired by SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery’s two whisky maturation warehouses.

Following its successful debut last year, TOGOUCHI Whisky Highball LIMITED RELEASE Fresh Forest Aroma returns for a limited release. Inspired by the fresh air, delicate aromas, and gentle humidity of a forest illuminated by the morning sun, this refreshing highball captures the essence of early summer woodland.

The whisky takes its name from Togouchi, the region where the whisky is matured. Surrounded by lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, Mount Osorakan—the highest peak in Hiroshima Prefecture—and the scenic Sandankyo Gorge, Togouchi embodies the natural beauty of Hiroshima.
Crafted using only whisky and carbonated water, this highball expresses the refreshing character of the region’s vibrant greenery in its purest form.

Perfect with a meal or as a relaxing drink at the end of a busy day or during a quiet holiday, this limited edition offers a refreshing whisky experience with an aroma reminiscent of a tranquil forest.

About TOGOUCHI Whisky Highball:
TOGOUCHI Blended Japanese Whisky reflects the natural beauty of Hiroshima, where the influences of the sea and the mountains shape its distinctive character. Crafted exclusively with SAKURAO DISTILLERY malt whisky, grain whisky, and carbonated water, the TOGOUCHI Whisky Highball delivers the authentic aroma, flavour, and lingering finish of the whisky in a convenient ready-to-drink format.

TOGOUCHI Whisky Highball LIMITED RELEASE Fresh Forest Aroma

■Product Name

：　TOGOUCHI Whisky Highball LIMITED RELEASE Fresh Forest Aroma

■Category

：　Sparkling Whisky

■Volume

：　350 mL

■Alcohol Content

：　8% ABV

■Suggested Retail Price

：　JPY 270 (excluding tax)

■Ingredients

：　Malt, grain / Carbonated water

■Release Date

：　Monday, June 15, 2026

■Available at

：　Selected Seven-Eleven stores in the Chugoku and Shikoku

 

　regions, and selected Izumi stores in the Chugoku,

 

　Shikoku, and Kyushu regions.

Following the success of last year’s release, SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery introduces a new limited edition of the TOGOUCHI Whisky Highball series. This year’s expression features whisky matured in Bordeaux red wine casks, creating an elegant and fruit-forward profile.
Crafted using only whisky and carbonated water, the blend was carefully developed by our blender to express a vibrant and fruity character without the use of additional flavourings.

Refined notes reminiscent of cassis and cherry are complemented by the fruit-forward character imparted by the Bordeaux red wine casks, leading to a rich and lingering finish.

This limited-edition highball offers a unique whisky experience, perfect for relaxing after a meal, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself. Enjoy a glass that brings together elegance, depth, and the distinctive character of TOGOUCHI.

About TOGOUCHI Whisky Highball:
TOGOUCHI Blended Japanese Whisky reflects the natural beauty of Hiroshima, where the influences of the sea and the mountains shape its distinctive character. Crafted exclusively with SAKURAO DISTILLERY malt whisky, grain whisky, and carbonated water, the TOGOUCHI Whisky Highball delivers the authentic aroma, flavour, and lingering finish of the whisky in a convenient ready-to-drink format.

TOGOUCHI Whisky Highball LIMITED RELEASE

■Product Name

：　TOGOUCHI Whisky Highball LIMITED RELEASE

■Category

：　Sparkling Whisky

■Volume

：　350 mL

■Alcohol Content

：　8% ABV

■Suggested Retail Price

：　JPY 270 (excluding tax)

■Ingredients

：　Malt, grain / Carbonated water

■Release Date

：　Monday, June 1, 2026

■Available at

：　Life Corporation stores

 

　(Available at selected stores only.)

Following the success of Joshi Bishubu Peach Oolong Liqueur, this release marks the second product in the brand’s cross-flavor series, combining the delicate sweetness of fruit with the rich character of tea. The launch also introduces a refreshed package design across the Joshi Bishubu range, reflecting the growing popularity of tea-inspired beverages.

Developed with both loyal fans of the series and first-time consumers in mind, the new product offers a sophisticated yet approachable drinking experience that can be enjoyed on any occasion.

A Luxurious Blend of Lychee and Oolong Tea
The fresh, juicy aroma of lychee is beautifully balanced by the elegant depth of oolong tea, creating a smooth and refreshing flavor profile with a pleasantly roasted tea finish.

Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or simply enjoy a relaxing moment at home, Joshi Bishubu Lychee Oolong Liqueur offers a delightful treat that brings a touch of everyday indulgence.

Product Information

■Product Name

：　Joshi Bishubu Lychee Oolong Liqueur

■Category

：　Liqueur

■Volume

：　900 ml

■Alcohol Content

：　8% ABV

■Launch Date

：　April 15, 2026

■Availability

：　Nationwide (Japan)

The whisky used in this expression is distilled using techniques passed down for more than 100 years since the company’s founding and matured at the SAKURAO Warehouse. The casks that previously matured this whisky are then used to further mature the umeshu, before being finished with a blend of SAKURAO Single Malt Japanese Whisky.

The result is a harmonious expression with the fresh aroma of young green leaves and the vibrant acidity of juicy plums, complemented by sweet vanilla notes derived from bourbon barrels.

SAKURAO Whisky Cask Matured Umeshu
－ 2026 Edition －

■Release Date

：　Monday, April 13, 2026

■Volume

：　600 mL

■Sales Area

：　Japan

■Suggested Retail Price

：　JPY 2,750 (tax included)

■Alcohol Content

：　19% ABV

※Limited quantities available.

Product Overview:

SAKURAO Whisky Cask Matured Umeshu is a limited-edition release from SAKURAO DISTILLERY. After maturing malt whisky in bourbon barrels, the same casks are used to further mature the umeshu. For the 2026 Edition, the cask-matured umeshu is additionally blended with SAKURAO Single Malt Japanese Whisky that has also been matured in bourbon barrels.

Fresh aromas reminiscent of green plums are accompanied by the lively acidity of juicy fruit, while sweet vanilla notes from the bourbon barrels are followed by a gentle, nutty finish. The result is a well-balanced expression that showcases the distinctive character of both umeshu and whisky.

About the Umeshu:

The umeshu is made by steeping unripe green Japanese plums in alcohol. It is characterised by its fresh aroma, reminiscent of new greenery, and the vibrant acidity of fresh fruit.

The JW logo was established by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) on March 27, 2025, and is displayed exclusively on products that comply with the association’s voluntary standards for Japanese whisky.
The logo was introduced to enhance recognition of Japanese whisky both in Japan and overseas and to help consumers identify qualifying products with confidence.

As a member of the JSLMA, SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery produces all of its current whiskies, including both single malt and blended whiskies, in accordance with these voluntary standards.
Please note that there will be no changes to the contents or quality of the products.

SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery will continue to contribute to the growth of Japanese whisky and the further development of the industry as a whole.

Released in 2025 as an export-exclusive expression, RUM CASK FINISH is currently available primarily in France and other European markets. The TOGOUCHI Blended Japanese Whisky range has continued to expand beyond its signature expression, TOGOUCHI PREMIUM, with distinctive cask-finished releases such as SAKE CASK FINISH and BEER CASK FINISH. RUM CASK FINISH represents the latest evolution of the series, showcasing a new approach to cask maturation.

The whisky is first matured for approximately two years in a combination of casks, including bourbon barrels, before undergoing an additional two-year finishing period in rum casks. The result is a bright amber whisky with pastry-like aromas reminiscent of vanilla, complemented by a smooth, mellow sweetness on the palate. The finish reveals notes of caramelised sweetness layered with the rich character of rum, creating a long and complex aftertaste.

This recognition further strengthens the TOGOUCHI brand’s presence in the European market and reflects our ongoing commitment to sharing the craftsmanship and appeal of Japanese whisky with whisky lovers around the world.

Product Information

■Product Name

：　TOGOUCHI Blended Japanese Whisky RUM CASK FINISH

■Category

：　Whisky

■Volume

：　700 mL

■Alcohol Content

：　43% ABV