Sourcing Bulk Spirits from Japan and Korea: A Buyer’s Guide

In short. We supply bulk Japanese whisky (65% ABV, aged 3+ years), shōchū (25–30% ABV), Japanese vodka (40% ABV) and Korean soju (16–25% ABV). Lead times are usually 1–2 months, and 3–6 months for whisky. Under the JSLMA industry standard, bulk Japanese whisky bottled outside Japan cannot be labelled “Japanese Whisky”, and new make is not whisky until it has been matured.

Interest in Japanese and Korean spirits has been building steadily among international buyers — Japanese whisky, shōchū, rice-based spirits, and Korean soju are all seeing rising demand from private label brands, RTD producers, and brand owners looking to diversify their portfolios. But sourcing from the region at commercial volume raises real questions: what’s actually available, can supply be maintained consistently, and what quality can buyers expect from Japanese and Korean product. We supply across this category and work with buyers through exactly these questions.

Why buyers are looking to Japan and Korea

Demand for Japanese and Korean spirits has grown faster than many buyers expect, driven by RTD category growth, private label expansion, and increasing buyer appetite for origin-led products that stand apart from more commoditized categories. Japanese whisky in particular has drawn attention as one of the most supply-constrained premium spirits categories globally — demand has outpaced production capacity for two decades, especially for aged expressions.

What buyers are actually asking

Serious buyers sourcing from the region tend to ask the same three questions, regardless of category:

• What’s actually available right now, versus listed but out of stock? The ranges and lead times below show what we supply. Japanese whisky is supply-dependent, with a lead time usually of 3–6 months. Shōchū, Japanese vodka and soju usually have a lead time of 1–2 months.
• Can supply be maintained at commercial volumes, not just sample quantities? We ship in 25,000-litre ISO containers, 1,000-litre IBCs and HDPE drums, with orders from 1,000 litres in IBCs through to full tanker loads.
• What consistency can be expected batch to batch? Every shipment goes out with full quality and compliance documentation, including a Certificate of Analysis.

These are fair questions — supply in this category is tighter than in most others, and buyers who don’t ask them upfront often find out the hard way.

What we supply from the region

Japanese Whisky: 65% ABV, aged 3+ years, lead time usually 3–6 months (supply-dependent).

One of the world’s most supply-constrained premium spirits categories. Under the JSLMA industry standard (2021, not law), the name “Japanese Whisky” requires maturation and bottling in Japan, so bulk bottled elsewhere cannot carry it; malting in Japan is not required. We supply Japanese Blended Whisky and Japanese Single Malt (New Make); given the constrained supply, early contact matters.

Shōchū: 25–30% ABV, typically unaged, lead time 1–2 months.

A traditional Japanese distilled spirit with a clean, versatile character, produced from rice, barley or sweet potato. Well suited to private label bottling, RTD formulations, and flavored spirits.

Japanese Vodka: 40% ABV, no aging, lead time 1–2 months.

Produced from 100% Japanese white rice, bamboo charcoal filtered, delivering a distinctively clean, refined character versus grain or potato vodkas. Positioned for premium and ultra-premium applications, ready to bottle.

Soju (Korea): 16–25% ABV, no aging, lead time 1–2 months.

Traditionally produced from rice, with a neutral, slightly sweet profile. One of the fastest-growing spirit categories globally, and increasingly used in flavored spirits and RTD formulations.

Sourcing and delivery

We supply in 25,000-litre ISO containers, 1,000-litre IBCs, and HDPE drums (minimum 80 drums per container), shipped either direct from distillery or from our warehouses in Europe and the USA. All shipments include full quality and compliance documentation, including Certificates of Analysis. We supply customers in over 70 countries.

FAQ

Q: Does Sasma source from Japan and Korea?

A: Yes — we supply Japanese Whisky, Shōchū, and Japanese Vodka sourced from Japan, and Soju sourced from Korea, to brand owners, private label producers, and bottlers worldwide.

Q: Can supply be maintained at commercial volumes?

A: Yes. Japanese Whisky is supply-dependent, with a lead time usually of 3–6 months, so we recommend contacting our sales team early to confirm current stock. Shōchū, Japanese Vodka, and Soju usually have a lead time of 1–2 months.

Q: What ABV, age and lead time do you offer?

A: Japanese Whisky: 65% ABV, aged 3+ years, lead time usually 3–6 months (supply-dependent). Shōchū: 25–30% ABV, typically unaged, lead time 1–2 months. Japanese Vodka: 40% ABV, no aging, lead time 1–2 months. Soju: 16–25% ABV, no aging, lead time 1–2 months.

Q: Can bulk Japanese whisky be labelled “Japanese Whisky” if it is bottled outside Japan?

A: No. The 2021 JSLMA standard, an industry standard rather than law, requires Japanese Whisky to be matured in Japan for at least three years in casks of 700 litres or under, and bottled in Japan. Bulk whisky bottled elsewhere cannot be labelled “Japanese Whisky” under it. Malting in Japan is not required, and new make is not whisky until it has been matured.

Q: What certifications and documentation are included?

A: All shipments include full quality and compliance documentation, including Certificates of Analysis, tailored to your market’s requirements.

Q: What is the minimum order quantity?

A: Minimum order quantities vary by product. As a general guide we supply from 1,000 litres in IBCs through to full tanker loads. Contact our sales team to confirm MOQ for your required product and packaging format.