In 2026, Japanese convenience stores (known locally as “Konbini”) are no longer just places to buy snacks and drinks.
“Lawson,” a major convenience store chain, has announced a new project that exceeds our imagination.
They are selling “Taketsuru,” “Yoichi,” and “Miyagikyo”—synonymous with globally scarce Japanese whisky—and even a super-premium limited bottle priced at over 165,000 yen (approx. $1,100 USD).
These products will not be lined up on store shelves. They are sold exclusively through reservations via a smartphone app.
We introduce “Lawson Buyer’s Select 2026.02,” for which reservations started at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 28th.
This is a groundbreaking event demonstrating the new level that Japanese Konbini culture has reached.
Masterpieces of “Nikka Whisky” Drawing Global Attention
In recent years, Japanese whisky has become extremely difficult to obtain due to rising global demand.
However, in this Lawson project, major brands from Japan’s leading manufacturer “Nikka Whisky” are making an appearance.
It is surprising news that products which were hard to get due to shipment adjustments can now be reserved via a convenience store app.
Inheriting the Founder’s Soul: “Taketsuru Pure Malt”
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, is called the “Father of Japanese Whisky.”
This whisky bearing his name is a symbol of the brand.
- Product Name: Taketsuru Pure Malt
- Quantity: 600 bottles
- Price: 7,700 yen (tax included)
- Purchase Limit: 1 bottle per person
This whisky blends malts (malted barley spirits) from two distilleries with distinct characteristics: the “Yoichi Distillery” in Hokkaido and the “Miyagikyo Distillery” in Sendai.
It features a well-balanced flavor combining both power and elegance.
Although 600 bottles is a very small quantity, it is a precious opportunity to purchase at the list price.
Tasting Powerful Individuality: “Single Malt Yoichi”
Next is a single malt whisky using only malt from the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido, the birthplace of Nikka Whisky.
- Product Name: Single Malt Yoichi
- Quantity: 540 bottles
- Price: 7,700 yen (tax included)
Nurtured in the harsh natural environment of Northern Japan, “Yoichi” is made using the traditional method of “Coal-fired distillation.”
It features a masculine, powerful, and smoky aroma.
This is a flavor that captivates whisky fans around the world.
Floral and Fruity: “Single Malt Miyagikyo”
A single malt from the Miyagikyo Distillery, which has a character contrasting with Yoichi, is also in the lineup.
- Product Name: Single Malt Miyagikyo
- Quantity: 540 bottles
- Price: 7,700 yen (tax included)
Whisky made at the Miyagikyo Distillery, located in a lush green canyon, features a gorgeous and fruity aroma born from “Steam indirect distillation.”
Its smooth mouthfeel and sweet taste are widely supported by everyone from beginners to enthusiasts.
A Shocking ¥160,000! “The Nikka Limited”
The biggest highlight of this project is this ultra-high-priced bottle.
The era has arrived where a 160,000 yen product is sold by reservation at a Japanese convenience store.
- Product Name: The Nikka Limited
- Quantity: 15 bottles
- Price: 165,000 yen (tax included)
- Purchase Limit: 1 bottle per person
This product is a special blended whisky.
It was created through the cooperation of two chief blenders, new and old.
The whiskies used are extremely precious.
It uses Yoichi malt from the 1980s, Miyagikyo malt from the 1970s, and even old liquor from Ben Nevis, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary.
It has a complex and deep flavor where fruity sweetness, bitterness like dark chocolate, and the woody scent from the barrel overlap.
There are only 15 bottles for sale. Getting this is equivalent to owning a piece of whisky history.
Don’t Miss the Lawson Exclusive Rare Bottles
It’s not just Nikka Whisky.
“Lawson Exclusive Versions” of globally acclaimed overseas whiskies are also prepared.
Labels and bottles available only here are attractive to collectors.
Taiwan’s Famous Sake: “Kavalan Lawson Owner’s Cask”
From Taiwan’s “KAVALAN,” which has won numerous global awards, a Lawson exclusive label appears.
- Product Name: Kavalan Lawson Owner’s Cask Solist Madeira Cask Strength
- Price: 33,440 yen (tax included)
- Purchase Limit: 1 bottle per person
- Spec: Lawson Exclusive Label
According to tasting notes, it has aromas like strong tea, chestnuts, and dark fruit sauce.
The taste is rich and creamy. Fruit flavors overlap with sweetness and bitterness like almond chocolate.
Including the special feeling of the limited label, this is a highly satisfying bottle.
The Pride of Kentucky: “Four Roses Single Barrel”
A special bottle has also been selected from “Four Roses,” one of the synonyms for Bourbon whisky.
- Product Name: Four Roses Single Barrel Private Barrel Selection 2025
- Price: 24,200 yen (tax included)
- Purchase Limit: 1 bottle per person
- Spec: Lawson Exclusive Bottle
This is whiskey selected from a special barrel.
Spiciness of nutmeg, rich caramel, and a hint of apricot nuance spread out.
The Wind of Ireland: “Clonakilty Single Malt”
The Irish whisky brand drawing attention, “Clonakilty,” is also in the lineup.
- Product Name: Clonakilty Single Malt Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish
- Price: 18,700 yen (tax included)
- Purchase Limit: 1 bottle per person
- Spec: Lawson Exclusive Label
It features a mineral feeling peculiar to the seaside and a mellow scent of fruit.
By finishing in Oloroso Sherry Casks, deep sweetness and aroma are added.
Irish Tradition: “Bushmills” Series
The single malt series of “Bushmills,” known as the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, is also available.
- Bushmills Single Malt 10 Year: 5,742 yen (tax included)
- Bushmills Single Malt 12 Year: 7,887 yen (tax included)
- Bushmills Single Malt 16 Year: 17,050 yen (tax included)
- Bushmills Single Malt 21 Year: 38,500 yen (tax included)
You can enjoy the change in taste due to the difference in aging years.
The convenience of being able to easily reserve luxury items like the 21-year aged whisky via a convenience store app is wonderful.
App Reservation Method and Important Notes
All products introduced this time are limited to reservations via the “Lawson App.”
You cannot purchase them even if you go directly to a store in Japan.
Flow from Reservation to Receipt
- Reservation Period: January 28, 2026 (Wed) 10:00 – February 8 (Sun)
- Pickup Period: February 24, 2026 (Tue) – March 2 (Mon), from 11:00 each day
- Reservation Method: Apply from the reservation page within the Lawson App.
First, you need to download the Japanese “Lawson App” and register as a member (Lawson ID).
Then, order the product from the reservation page inside the app.
Notes You Should Know
- Limited Quantity: All products are limited in quantity. The Nikka Whisky series and the bottle limited to 15 units are particularly likely to sell out immediately.
- No In-Store Reservation: Reservations are possible only via the app.
- Pickup Store: You must pick it up at a Lawson store within Japan.
- Age Limit: Under Japanese law, drinking is permitted from age 20.
“Buyer’s Select” Brings Surprise to Everyday Life
This “Lawson Buyer’s Select” is not just product sales.
It is a new attempt to connect the familiar place of a convenience store with a premium experience.
Receiving the world’s finest whisky at your usual Lawson on your way home from work.
Such an extraordinary experience can be obtained with just a smartphone.
If you are staying in Japan during the period and have a Lawson ID, please check the app.
Perhaps an encounter with a lifelong whisky is waiting for you.
Post a Comment