Five years have passed since we began distillation in 2021. At SHINDO LAB (hereafter SHINDO), we have experimented with a wide range of production methods based on the hypotheses we developed at the outset, striving to embody our philosophy, "THE QUEST FOR THE ORIGINAL." One example is our approach to fermentation using two different yeast strains. We are now exploring the potential of additional yeasts to further evolve our distinctive, flavor-rich new make spirit, giving it a more clearly defined and refined character. In maturation, we continue to deepen our understanding of the casks that have already shown promising results, including Mizunara oak, chestnut, bourbon, sherry, and rum casks. At the same time, we are actively exploring new possibilities, such as beer and wine casks. We are also sharing our vision for the ideal spirit character with our cask suppliers. Gradually, we are establishing an environment in which even challenging types of casks can be sourced and used in better condition. Our ultimate goal is to create whiskies that express a rich and diverse range of flavors, even after relatively short periods of maturation, built upon a foundation of high-quality new make spirit. To move closer to this ideal, we will continue our steady pursuit of experimentation, learning, and refinement.

The world of whisky is vast and endlessly fascinating. As we pursue our own approach to whisky-making, we sometimes encounter spirits and whiskies from other distilleries that deeply impress us. We find ourselves drawn not only to their flavors, but also to the philosophies and dedication behind their creation. Different locations, different equipment, different ingredients, different yeasts, and different ways of thinking. The spirits born from the accumulated experiences of each distillery possess characteristics that SHINDO does not. Whenever we encounter such remarkable spirits, a simple curiosity arises within us as whisky makers : "What kind of whisky could emerge if this spirit were brought together with SHINDO's own?" We want to go beyond simply learning from and being inspired by other producers. We want to bring together spirits that each distillery has carefully nurtured, understand and respect their individual characteristics, and create something entirely new by allowing those qualities to complement one another. This desire gave birth to SHINDO Cross Distillery.

This project is a new challenge in which like-minded distilleries exchange their spirits, with each producer independently vatting the received spirit with its own. Even when two distilleries work with exactly the same combination of spirits, the results will almost certainly differ. Which casks should be selected? In what proportions should the spirits be combined? What kind of flavor profile should the final whisky express? The answers reflect each distillery's experience, philosophy, and the individual sensibilities of its blender. This is not simply about mixing two spirits. It is about respecting their distinct identities and exploring flavors that neither distillery could have achieved on its own. We believe that the process of exploration itself is an essential part of the project's value.

There is another belief that lies at the heart of our approach to whisky-making : "To bring joy to people's lives through whisky." Under normal circumstances, each distillery pursues its own ideals, striving to create the best whisky it possibly can. We are fellow whisky makers working in the same era, and sometimes friendly rivals. When two such distilleries bring their spirits together, we want to share the excitement of unexpected possibilities with everyone who has supported SHINDO. "SHINDO is collaborating with that distillery? Really?" "What would a whisky made from these two spirits actually taste like?" We want people to enjoy more than just the finished bottle. Imagining the possibilities, anticipating the release, and finally raising a glass to discover the result—perhaps with a sense of surprise.

The distilleries we hope to collaborate with are not necessarily the most famous. Regardless of their size or reputation, we seek producers who approach their craft with sincerity, possess a clear philosophy, and continually strive to refine their own distinctive character. Indeed, we believe that collaboration becomes even more meaningful when the other distillery takes a different approach from SHINDO—in its ingredients, production methods, maturation techniques, or philosophy. We will continue our own steady pursuit of the whisky we aspire to create. At the same time, we want to occasionally step beyond the boundaries of our own distillery, bringing together our knowledge, spirits, and creative sensibilities to discover flavors we could never have imagined. The insights and experiences gained through these collaborations will inspire future SHINDO Cross Distillery projects. They will also feed back into SHINDO's own whisky-making, from new make production and maturation to vatting. We hope these challenges will extend beyond our own distillery, bringing new discoveries to our partners, inspiring fellow whisky makers, and ultimately contributing to greater diversity and new ways of enjoying Japanese whisky. We will continue to refine our own craft while reaching beyond boundaries to connect with others. In search of spirits that offer new and unexpected pleasures. SHINDO Cross Distillery is our ongoing journey to explore those possibilities.