Shogakukan, the production company behind classic anime Galaxy Express 999 , is teaming up with online retailer Whisky Mew (which previously released Berserk and Gatchaman whiskies) to offer two special Galaxy Express 999 whiskies.

Written by science fiction manga master Reiji Matsumoto, Galaxy Express 999 has been loved by many fans ever since its debut in 1977, and was then successfully turned into a TV anime series in 1978, and a movie the following year.

The two types of whiskey for “Galaxy Express 999”were chosen by a Japanese whiskey critic, Hideo Yamaoka.

Secret Grain 1976 (Single grain Scotch whisky)

The label on this bottle features Maetel, the series main character giving a quiet stare. It is a single grain whiskey, carefully aged for 43 years. It is distilled in a traditional distillery process, with a column still which makes this bottle quite rare on its own. Hideo Yamaoka describes the bottle as “well-matured malt with a perfectly controlled distinctive aroma of grain whiskey”.

Bunnahabhain 1987 (Single malt Scotch whisky)

Bunnahabhain 1987 bottle’s label features Maetel and a drawing of mechanics and rolled paper, both of which are symbolic to Reiji’s world. This bottle is matured for 33 years, made from non-peat malt which is typical for Islay island whiskey, where Bunnahabhain distillery is located. According to Yamaoka, it is “delicate yet wonderfully matured malt. The one I want you to drink straight without watering down.”

Lottery reservation period: October 19th, 2021 12 pm to October 21st, 11:59 pm at the official website.