Introduction
I picked up the Craftbros Galaxy Express 999 First Departure partly out of curiosity and partly because I enjoy seeing new players enter the whisky scene—especially ones with a unique concept. This release is part of a whisky-inspired collaboration with the Japanese manga/anime Galaxy Express 999, and while that might sound gimmicky at first, I wanted to taste the whisky for itself. First Departure is bottled at 50% ABV and blends malt whiskies from several origins, which made me wonder how well its international components would hang together.
Nose
On the nose, it starts off fairly approachable and clean. There’s soft vanilla, a bit of green apple, and some cereal grain presence that reminded me of lighter Japanese malts. It’s not overly assertive, but there’s a noticeable buttery note and a faint herbal edge that adds a bit of dimension. A little time in the glass opens up some orchard fruit and mild spice—maybe cinnamon stick or white pepper—alongside the malt.
Palate
The arrival on the palate confirms what the nose hinted at: it’s reasonably gentle for 50% ABV. I got a sweet malt core with light pears and honey upfront. The texture is soft and well-rounded. Things shift mid-palate, where more spice kicks in—nutmeg, some ginger warmth, and a dryness that I associate with European oak. There’s a balance between sweetness and spice, though none of the elements seem particularly deep or complex. That said, it’s cleanly constructed and pleasant to drink.
Finish
The finish leans more on the dry and spicy side than the sweet. It doesn’t linger very long—medium at best—but the fading notes are tidy and consistent. Some light tannin, toasted grain, and lingering stone fruit skins linger in the aftertaste. There’s no heavy smoke or peat, just a soft peppery tail that gently fades away.
Price and Value
Considering the packaging and collaborative branding, I expected this bottle to be priced somewhat higher than average. In the Korean domestic market, it’s positioned as a premium craft release, but from a flavour perspective, it’s more a solid everyday sipper than a collector’s dram. If you’re a fan of the Galaxy Express 999 theme, the packaging might add extra value, but purely from a taste standpoint, it’s decent but not game-changing. I’d say it’s fair value if you’re curious about emerging whisky scenes or interested in trying international malt blends.
Background
Craftbros is a South Korean independent bottler known more for their collaborations and craft beer ventures but recently stepped into whisky with their Whiskybros branding. The Galaxy Express 999 range features two whiskies: First Departure and Long Journey, both blended world malts. The First Departure is bottled at 50% ABV and includes selected malt whiskies from overseas distilleries—though the exact makeup isn’t disclosed publicly. You can learn more about Whiskybros through the Craftbros official site.
Final Notes
Would I pick this bottle up again? I might, but mostly for the novelty and packaging—it’s the kind of bottle that draws attention at a casual gathering. Is it suitable for whisky beginners? Yes, especially if you’re moving up from standard 40–43% blends and want something slightly stronger but approachable. If you’re wondering when to pour this, I see it working well on a weekend afternoon—not too heavy, not too demanding. Compared to other Asian whiskies, it feels more in line with the gentle, fruity style of Japanese malt than the bolder or more experimental casks coming from places like Taiwan or India. It won’t wow seasoned whisky drinkers looking for complexity, but if you’re open to something clean, mildly spiced, and visually interesting, this bottle is an easygoing choice.