Emma Tenkyo Distillery honours the legacy of late founder Shunsuke Koike with the launch of KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY
This unique blend matured and bottled in Aizu, unites Scottish spirit with Japanese craftsmanship and originates from maturation trials undertaken by the late founder, Shunsuke Koike.
By bringing new make spirit from Scotland together with the natural environment of Aizu, and after repeated experimentation with 189 carefully selected casks, this unique blended whisky was born.
The result is a whisky born from the meeting of “winds” – the wind of Scotland, the wind of Aizu, and the spirit of Shunsuke Koike – united to create a profile unlike anything imagined. This character is carried forward through solera system, allowing the whisky to continue evolving.
“KAZE” (風), pronounced kah-zeh [ˈka̠.ze̞], means “wind” in Japanese.
KAZE Founder’s Reserve LEGACY is currently available exclusively in Japan at this time.
The 189 casks were laid down as part of a bold maturation project while Tenkyo Distillery was still under construction. With 58 different cask types, it was a visionary exploration of oak, spirit, and future possibility.
The KAZE Founder’s Reserve solera system draws directly from these original casks, ensuring his memory lives on in every drop. The first expression is named LEGACY – a quiet tribute to his enduring vision.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Amber
Nose: Raisins, figs, white chocolate, brown sugar, wrapped in gentle spices and a touch of smokiness
Palate: Toffee, nuts, almonds, meet juicy apricots, combined with a gentle smokiness to create depth and complexity
Finish: Subtle bitterness and cigar-like notes balance with a warming sweetness, leaving a pleasant and long lasting finish
Volume: 700ml
ABV**: 46.9%
Suggested retail price: ¥8,250 (tax included)
Release date: Sunday, 6th July 2025
