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.
Glen Moray hopes to temp whisky fans with the latest addition to its Xperience Collection, Forbidden Fruit. This novel single malt is finished in casks that previously held Calvados, the historic apple brandy of Normandy. The whisky continues the Elgin distillery’s long-running interest in cask experimentation. Forbidden Fruit follows earlier Xperience bottlings Phoenix Rising, which…
Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest-dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, is stepping up its UK presence with the roll out of Free Wave Hazy IPA. Free Wave is a smooth, hazy ale with a juicy body and velvety pour. Brewed with a trio of Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops, it delivers bright aromatics of tangerine and grapefruit, offering plenty…
Travellers to the Scottish Highlands will soon have a new way to experience one of the region’s best-known single malts. From April 27 2026, The Dalmore will reopen its distillery to guests with a completely reimagined visitor experience designed to offer a deeper insight into the craft, heritage and character behind its whiskies. Set on…
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.
First pour: Glen Moray adds Calvados twist to Speyside whisky and it’s a toffee apple treat
Glen Moray hopes to temp whisky fans with the latest addition to its Xperience Collection, Forbidden Fruit. This novel single malt is finished in casks that previously held Calvados, the historic apple brandy of Normandy. The whisky continues the Elgin distillery’s long-running interest in cask experimentation. Forbidden Fruit follows earlier Xperience bottlings Phoenix Rising, which…
America’s top non-alcoholic beer brand makes a splash with Free Wave Hazy IPA launch
Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest-dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, is stepping up its UK presence with the roll out of Free Wave Hazy IPA. Free Wave is a smooth, hazy ale with a juicy body and velvety pour. Brewed with a trio of Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops, it delivers bright aromatics of tangerine and grapefruit, offering plenty…
The Dalmore reopens Highland distillery to guests with reimagined Visitor Experience
Travellers to the Scottish Highlands will soon have a new way to experience one of the region’s best-known single malts. From April 27 2026, The Dalmore will reopen its distillery to guests with a completely reimagined visitor experience designed to offer a deeper insight into the craft, heritage and character behind its whiskies. Set on…
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