Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, has announced a deal to bring its acclaimed Octave portfolio to the Japanese whisky market, partnering with one of the country’s most respected independent retailers and importers, Shinanoya.

The independent bottler, based in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Shinanoya, a company whose roots date back to 1930, when it began life as a local food and liquor store. Today, Shinanoya is a highly respected independent retailer, importer and bottler, renowned among whisky connoisseurs for its exceptionally rigorous approach to private single-cask selections.

With a network of specialist wine and spirits boutiques across Tokyo and Yokohama, flagship stores in prestigious locations including Ginza and Shinjuku, and strong relationships throughout Japan’s bar sector, Shinanoya offers Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky an exciting platform from which to develop its presence in the Japanese market.

The partnership with the company, which has also received four Icons of Whisky Awards from Whisky Magazine — a landmark achievement for a Japanese whisky business, will initially launch 14 casks across four series, featuring specially curated bottlings created exclusively for the collaboration.

Among these is the Shinanoya Series, which includes a 22-year-old Laphroaig distilled in 2004 and finished in an Oloroso cask. The bottling features a distinctive chess-themed label design, reflecting the prestige of Shinanoya’s highest-tier whisky releases, which are regarded as masterpieces.

Japan is the latest new market for Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky since the relaunch of The Octave series, which now employs 40 people and continues to expand its international reach. The announcement follows the recent UK launch of the company’s first Octave Mizunara oak cask finish, featuring a triple-cask Auchentoshan. The bottling sold out in just two weeks.

The partnership will officially launch at this year’s Tokyo Whisky Festival, taking place at the International Forum in Chiyoda-ku on 6 and 7 November. Seven bottlings from the series will be available for tasting, including the Shinanoya Private Bottlings of Laphroaig and Craigellachie.

Commenting on the announcement, Paul Wang, International Sales Manager at Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, said: “This is a really important market for us, given the sheer scale of the Shinanoya network. We’ve curated bottlings especially for this partnership, incorporating label design features that celebrate the significance of the Japanese market. I’m confident that the bottlings will sell well, and the smaller 200ml Japan Edition bottles, created from four of the series, will give customers the opportunity to sample these drams before choosing their favourites. This is the first time we’ve created bottles of this size for the mass market.”

The partnership with Shinanoya further strengthens Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky’s growing international presence. The company’s Octave portfolio is now available in more than 60 countries, with global demand continuing to drive expansion of the range.

Earlier this year, Duncan Taylor announced plans to grow its inventory to 1,000 different Octave bottlings during 2026, reflecting the portfolio’s continued expansion. Since 2009, Duncan Taylor’s Octave releases have received 55 awards worldwide, underlining the reputation the range has established among whisky enthusiasts and industry judges.