A rare piece of Japanese whisky history has found a place on the drinks list at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, where a single dram now carries a price tag of £2,300.
The Asian-inspired eatery, created by Gordon Ramsay, opened last year in London’s 22 Bishopsgate as a high-rise dining destination blending fine cuisine with an ambitious bar programme. Among its most notable offerings is Shirakawa 1958, a single malt from the long-demolished Shirakawa Distillery in Fukushima Prefecture, around 200km north of Tokyo.
Built in 1939, the distillery was among Japan’s early adopters of malt whisky production, operating between 1951 and 1969 before ultimately closing in 2003. For decades, much of its output went into blends produced by its owner, Takara Shuzo.
What makes this expression remarkable is both its provenance and its survival…
From forgotten casks to fine dining
What makes this expression remarkable is both its provenance and its survival. The spirit was distilled in 1958, matured in cask, and later transferred into ceramic jars before being moved into stainless steel tanks at a Takara Shuzo facility in Kyushu following the distillery’s closure.
There it remained, largely forgotten, until 2019, when Tomatin Distillery managing director Stephen Bremner traced its existence through company archives and inventory.
While precise details of its ageing regime remain unclear, the whisky dates from a period when Japanese distillers commonly used domestic barley and matured spirit in Mizunara oak casks, known for imparting distinctive aromatic qualities.
Bottled at 49% ABV by Takara Shuzo, Shirakawa 1958 is understood to be the earliest single vintage Japanese whisky ever released, and the only official single malt from the distillery.
Shirakawa 1958 whisky tasting notes
Supplied tasting notes point to a complex and evolving character. On the nose, the whisky offers resinous notes, dry earth and dried citrus peel, with a waxy undertone; a splash of water reveals added vibrancy and a hint of exotic incense.
The palate is described as expansive and succulent, with fragrant grass and emerging fruit, layered with spice and dryness. Water introduces a suggestion of ash from an incense burner, alongside a lively acidity. The finish is long and balanced, with persistent mint and camphor-like notes.
Just 1,500 bottles of Shirakawa 1958 were released globally in 2022, with a recommended retail price of £25,000 per bottle.
At Lucky Cat, it’s available by the dram at £2,300, offering diners a rare opportunity to experience a fragment of Japan’s early whisky-making history.
Islay distillery Ardbeg is marking this year’s Ardbeg Day with a limited-edition whisky that draws an intriguing line between the rugged coast of Islay and the sunlit sweetness of Sicily. The new Ardbeg Dolce arrives as the distillery’s 2026 festival bottling, combining spirit matured in Marsala dolce casks with classic bourbon cask Ardbeg to create…
If you’ve been following the fast-evolving world whisky scene, you’ll likely be aware of Indri. In only a few years, the Himalayan foothills distillery has gone from ambitious newcomer to awards favourite, with its core range led by the triple-cask Indri Trini. Launched in 2022, the brand now claims to be India’s most-awarded single malt,…
The Whisky Exchange has announced a loyalty programme that will reward customers with exclusive bottlings, shared knowledge, discounts and much more. Current customers subscribed to The Whisky Exchange newsletter are first in line, before the scheme rolls out to all customers mid-April. Friends of The Whisky Exchange will be open to all customers around the…
The Luxe Review 
A rare piece of Japanese whisky history has found a place on the drinks list at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, where a single dram now carries a price tag of £2,300.
The Asian-inspired eatery, created by Gordon Ramsay, opened last year in London’s 22 Bishopsgate as a high-rise dining destination blending fine cuisine with an ambitious bar programme. Among its most notable offerings is Shirakawa 1958, a single malt from the long-demolished Shirakawa Distillery in Fukushima Prefecture, around 200km north of Tokyo.
Built in 1939, the distillery was among Japan’s early adopters of malt whisky production, operating between 1951 and 1969 before ultimately closing in 2003. For decades, much of its output went into blends produced by its owner, Takara Shuzo.
From forgotten casks to fine dining
What makes this expression remarkable is both its provenance and its survival. The spirit was distilled in 1958, matured in cask, and later transferred into ceramic jars before being moved into stainless steel tanks at a Takara Shuzo facility in Kyushu following the distillery’s closure.
There it remained, largely forgotten, until 2019, when Tomatin Distillery managing director Stephen Bremner traced its existence through company archives and inventory.
While precise details of its ageing regime remain unclear, the whisky dates from a period when Japanese distillers commonly used domestic barley and matured spirit in Mizunara oak casks, known for imparting distinctive aromatic qualities.
Bottled at 49% ABV by Takara Shuzo, Shirakawa 1958 is understood to be the earliest single vintage Japanese whisky ever released, and the only official single malt from the distillery.
Shirakawa 1958 whisky tasting notes
Supplied tasting notes point to a complex and evolving character. On the nose, the whisky offers resinous notes, dry earth and dried citrus peel, with a waxy undertone; a splash of water reveals added vibrancy and a hint of exotic incense.
The palate is described as expansive and succulent, with fragrant grass and emerging fruit, layered with spice and dryness. Water introduces a suggestion of ash from an incense burner, alongside a lively acidity. The finish is long and balanced, with persistent mint and camphor-like notes.
Just 1,500 bottles of Shirakawa 1958 were released globally in 2022, with a recommended retail price of £25,000 per bottle.
At Lucky Cat, it’s available by the dram at £2,300, offering diners a rare opportunity to experience a fragment of Japan’s early whisky-making history.
Limited edition Ardbeg Dolce whisky brings Marsala sweetness to Islay peat for Ardbeg Day 2026
Islay distillery Ardbeg is marking this year’s Ardbeg Day with a limited-edition whisky that draws an intriguing line between the rugged coast of Islay and the sunlit sweetness of Sicily. The new Ardbeg Dolce arrives as the distillery’s 2026 festival bottling, combining spirit matured in Marsala dolce casks with classic bourbon cask Ardbeg to create…
Sweet and fruity Indri Indian single malt brings Himalayan‑influence to world whisky stage
If you’ve been following the fast-evolving world whisky scene, you’ll likely be aware of Indri. In only a few years, the Himalayan foothills distillery has gone from ambitious newcomer to awards favourite, with its core range led by the triple-cask Indri Trini. Launched in 2022, the brand now claims to be India’s most-awarded single malt,…
The Whisky Exchange launches loyalty programme with exclusive bottlings and discounts
The Whisky Exchange has announced a loyalty programme that will reward customers with exclusive bottlings, shared knowledge, discounts and much more. Current customers subscribed to The Whisky Exchange newsletter are first in line, before the scheme rolls out to all customers mid-April. Friends of The Whisky Exchange will be open to all customers around the…
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