On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, a revolutionary new product that whisky fans won’t want to miss will be launched at Lawson stores across Japan. Developed in collaboration with Kavalan, one of Asia’s most celebrated premium distilleries from Taiwan, this is the first-ever exclusive highball can in Lawson’s history: the “Kavalan Peated Whisky Highball.”
This single can is packed with an extraordinary level of craftsmanship. It luxuriously uses the very same spirit that won the top prize, “Best of the Best,” at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) 2024. Furthermore, this spirit is a truly elusive masterpiece, normally available only at the Kavalan Distillery and its official stores.
This marks the dawn of an era where a genuine whisky experience, previously found only in specialty bars, is now available at Lawson stores all across Japan, and for an affordable price.
All the Buzz! Details on the “Kavalan Peated Whisky Highball”
Product Name: Kavalan Peated Whisky Highball 320ml
Release Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Price: Lawson Standard Price 528 yen (tax included)
Available at: Lawson stores across Japan (only at locations licensed to sell alcohol)
The most striking feature of this highball is its simplicity of ingredients. It uses only the award-winning “Distillery Reserve Peated Malt” spirit and carbonated water. No extra additives like flavorings or sweeteners are included, embodying a thorough commitment to bringing out the original flavor of the whisky to the fullest.
When poured into a glass, a pleasant smoky aroma immediately rises. This is a characteristic unique to “peated” whiskies, a deep and complex scent created by drying malted barley over a peat fire. But it’s not just about the smoke. With the first sip, the hallmark of Kavalan whisky—a sweet, tropical flavor reminiscent of tropical fruits—fills your mouth, leaving a long, lingering finish.
Why is This Highball So “Special”?
At Japanese Konbini, various types of “canned highballs” are sold, and they are popular among a wide range of people as an easily enjoyable alcoholic drink. A highball is a simple cocktail made by mixing whisky with soda water. In Japan, it is a staple on izakaya menus and is one of the nation’s favorite drinks, also enjoyed at home.
So, why did Kavalan decide to enter Japan’s fiercely competitive highball market with a Lawson exclusive? The story behind it lies in the passionate vision of a Lawson buyer.
The person behind this project is Lawson buyer Yuji Kuramitsu, who holds a Whisky Expert certification. He says his first encounter with Kavalan was about three years ago. He was deeply moved by its rich, tropical flavor, thinking to himself, “I never knew a whisky like this existed.”
His desire to one day “share this moving experience with as many people in Japan as possible” is what made this collaboration a reality. The peated spirit used in this highball is particularly special, a rare find even for dedicated fans who regularly drink Kavalan. “I truly want as many people as possible to experience this surprise and excitement,” says Mr. Kuramitsu.
It was his passion that brought this unprecedented project to life: using a precious spirit that is normally not sold externally, and offering it at an accessible price.
Enjoy an Authentic Glass with Ease
If you find it at a Lawson in Japan this winter, be sure to pick one up. This is no mere canned highball. It’s a special drink born from the rich nature of Taiwan and a passion for Japan’s Konbini culture. For whisky lovers and even for those who don’t usually drink whisky, an inspiring experience that opens a new door awaits.
In Japan, the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 20 is strictly prohibited by law. Please drink responsibly and enjoy in moderation.
Source (Japanese): 【12月16日(火)発売】お酒の注目商品:カバラン ピートウイスキーハイボール登場
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