SHINDO EXPERIMENTAL 01 Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Shindo Distillery begins its journey with the “EXPERIMENTAL” Series. The word “EXPERIMENTAL” signifies a spirit of trial and innovation. While Shindo hold deep respect for the pioneers of Japanese whisky, we approach this journey as newcomers — as humble challengers taking our first steps. For their first release, Shindo did not presume to present a “finished product.” Instead, Shindo sought to offer the very best proposal we could achieve at this moment. With that spirit in mind, and named it the “EXPERIMENTAL” Series.

About "EXPERIMENTAL 01"

• Embodying the essence of Shindo
• Minimizing immaturity
• Making whisky more enjoyable!

These three themes guided the development of “EX01.” After checking the condition of the candidate casks, we began creating the samples. Our primary focus was on “expressing the identity of Shindo.” We aimed to fully express the milky and fatty flavors (lactone aromas) that are distinctive of Shindo’s carefully crafted new make spirit. We produced well over 100 different samples.

At the same time, Shindo narrowed down the samples based on the second theme : “minimizing immaturity.” Eventually, we arrived at the prototype for “EX01” : A vatting of 91% bourbon cask, 4% new Mizunara cask, 4% Oloroso sherry cask, and 1% Scotch refilled cask.

The final element we considered in detail was the alcohol strength.
For straight sipping, this “EX01” prototype works best at around 48% ABV. At that level, the alcohol impact is softened, allowing the flavors and aromas to expand beautifully. However, since one of the key themes of “EX01” is “making whisky more enjoyable,” we wanted to accommodate various ways of enjoying whisky — whether at a bar or at home.

The act of diluting with water is one such joy.

We want our customers to experience how the whisky evolves with water. With that in mind, we settled on 50% ABV — a strength that invites drinkers to add water themselves and explore the flavor changes and their preferred drinking strength.