1 The Appeal and Characteristics of Craft Whisky
What Is Craft Whisky?
What Makes Craft Whisky So Appealing?
What Are Small-Scale Distilleries (Craft Distilleries / Micro-Distilleries)?
2 The Unique Characteristics and Craftsmanship of Shizuoka Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Shizuoka Prefecture
Shizuoka’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
3 Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Shizuoka Prefecture
Kirin Distillery Fuji Gotemba
Ikawa Distillery
Gaiaflow Shizuoka Distillery
4 Types of Whisky and How to Enjoy Them
What Are the Different Types of Whisky?
What Are the Best Ways to Enjoy Whisky?
About the Author:
Yosuke Murai COO, August Beer Co., Ltd.
Born in 1985 and a graduate of Keio University, Yosuke began his career at the Nomura Research Institute (NRI) before establishing himself as a strategic consultant. His journey into the craft world began through a pivotal partnership with August Beer, a pioneer in the Japanese craft beer industry. Today, as a shareholder and COO, he leverages his background in top-tier consulting to support entrepreneurs in launching successful craft beer and whisky facilities across Japan.
1. The Appeal and Characteristics of Craft Whisky
What Is Craft Whisky?
Whisky is a distilled spirit made by fermenting grains such as malt and aging the liquid in barrels. Among these, “craft whisky” refers to whisky produced at small-scale distilleries.
There is no strict definition, but like craft beer, craft whisky is typically produced in limited quantities at small distilleries, resulting in a distinctive and individual character.
The word “craft” conveys meanings such as handmade, artisanal, and skillful, emphasizing the fact that craft whisky is carefully produced by skilled artisans.
Craft whisky often features unique and creative flavors, offering a taste and quality experience that sets it apart from mass-produced whiskies.
What Makes Craft Whisky So Appealing?
The greatest appeal of craft whisky lies in its diversity and individuality.
Thanks to the flexibility of small-scale production, distillers can use local ingredients and adopt unique production methods, resulting in whiskies with flavors that cannot be found elsewhere.
Many craft whiskies also reflect the stories, passion, and local spirit of their producers. Learning about the background of a whisky can deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of it. Unlike mass-produced whiskies that are available everywhere, craft whiskies are often exclusive to a particular region or distillery, making them popular among tourists and as souvenirs.
With their special character and unique qualities, craft whiskies are gaining increasing popularity. Japan’s high-quality Japanese craft whiskies are attracting attention from international visitors as well.
It seems likely that interest in craft whisky will continue to grow in the years to come.
What Are Small-Scale Distilleries (Craft Distilleries / Micro-Distilleries)?
A small-scale distillery is, as the name suggests, a small distillery where craft whisky is produced.
Because they are small-scale distilleries, such facilities have traditionally been referred to as “micro-distilleries.” As the term “craft” has become more widely used, the name “craft distillery” has also gained popularity.
There are various terms in use, including small-scale distillery, craft distillery, and whisky distillery, but there is no strict definition distinguishing these terms.
In this article, we will refer to these facilities as “whisky distilleries.”
2. The Unique Characteristics and Craftsmanship of Shizuoka Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Shizuoka Prefecture
There are five whisky distilleries in Shizuoka Prefecture
(as of September 2024; source: JWIC).
They are located mainly in Shizuoka City and Gotemba City.
Compared with surrounding regions, this number can be considered relatively high.
With its abundant water resources, Shizuoka is a region well suited to alcohol production.
Trying a variety of whiskies from Shizuoka is highly recommended.
Shizuoka’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
Shizuoka Prefecture is surrounded by rich natural landscapes, with Suruga Bay to the south and the Japanese Alps and Mount Fuji to the north. The region is blessed with clean, high-quality water, making it an ideal environment for brewing and distilling.
In Shizuoka, a wide range of alcoholic beverages are produced, including sake, craft beer, and whisky.
Shizuoka sake is known for its tanrei karakuchi (clean and dry) style, using soft water that springs from Mount Fuji, resulting in a crisp and refreshing profile.
Craft whisky distilleries are also relatively numerous compared to nearby areas, making Shizuoka’s whisky scene one to watch in the coming years.
3. Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Shizuoka Prefecture
Kirin Distillery Fuji Gotemba
Address:
970 Shibanuta, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Official Website / SNS:
https://www.kirin.co.jp/experience/factory/gotemba/?agechk=1
This distillery is operated by Kirin.
Located in Gotemba with a panoramic view of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Gotemba Distillery benefits from underground water from Mount Fuji, an average annual temperature of 13°C, and frequent mist throughout the year. The Shibanuta area of Gotemba offers an ideal environment for whisky production.
Since beginning operations in 1973, the distillery has served as Kirin’s core base for whisky production, continuously pursuing its ideal style of whisky.
Fuji Gotemba Distillery is one of the few distilleries in the world that produces both malt and grain whisky, handling the entire process from mashing to bottling on a single site.
Distillery tours and paid tastings are also available.
Ikawa Distillery
Address:
1299-1 Tashiro, Ōharuki, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Official Website / SNS:
https://juzan.co.jp/contents/ikawadistillery/
Ikawa Distillery is operated by a group company of Tokushu Tokai Paper, a paper manufacturer listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, marking a unique entry into whisky production from a different industry.
The first distillation took place in November 2020, and the distillery operates two straight-type pot stills manufactured by Miyake.
The distillery focuses on three key elements:
the maturation environment of the Southern Alps,
the pristine spring water known as Tokusa Yusui, symbolizing rich forests,
and forest resources used for whisky casks.
In particular, the spring water filtered through the untouched forest soil of the Southern Alps serves as exceptional brewing water.
Here, visitors can enjoy whisky crafted with the full blessings of nature in the Southern Alps.
Gaiaflow Shizuoka Distillery
Address:
555 Ochiai, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Gaiaflow Shizuoka Distillery aims to create whisky rooted in local terroir and in harmony with nature.
The distillery offers tours where visitors can experience Shizuoka’s unique whisky-making approach, including fermentation tanks made from locally sourced cedar and pot stills heated by firewood from the surrounding area.
4.Types of Whisky and How to Enjoy Them
What Are the Different Types of Whisky?
Alcoholic beverages are generally classified into brewed alcoholic beverages, distilled spirits, and mixed alcoholic beverages. Among these, whisky falls into the category of distilled spirits.
Distilled spirits such as whisky and shochu typically have a higher alcohol content than brewed alcoholic beverages like beer and wine.
Whisky itself can be classified into several types based on factors such as ingredients and place of origin.
Well-known whiskies are often grouped into five major categories, commonly referred to as the “Five Major Whiskies.” These categories are as follows:
Scotch Whisky
Produced in Scotland and aged in oak casks for at least three years.
Irish Whiskey
Produced in Ireland and typically characterized by triple distillation, which gives it a smooth profile.
American Whiskey
Includes bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey, among others, and is produced according to distinct methods and strict regulations.
Canadian Whisky
Generally known for its mild and smooth character.
Japanese Whisky
Influenced by Scotch whisky, yet widely recognized for its refined and distinctive production techniques.
Japanese whisky is also widely enjoyed as one of the Five Major Whiskies.
What Are the Best Ways to Enjoy Whisky?
There are many ways to enjoy whisky. Here are some of the most popular methods:
Neat
This is drinking whisky as is, without any mixers or ice. It allows you to fully appreciate the whisky’s complex flavors and aromas.
On the Rocks
Whisky served over ice. The ice slightly mellows the flavor, making it smooth and easy to sip.
Highball
Whisky mixed with carbonated water. This creates a refreshing taste and pairs well with meals.
Cocktails
Whisky can be combined with various liqueurs, juices, and other ingredients to create a wide range of cocktails, offering diverse flavor experiences.
One of the great appeals of whisky is the variety of ways it can be enjoyed. The choice of how to drink it can depend on the type of whisky, your mood, or the setting.
Trying different ways of enjoying whisky is part of the fun—it allows you to discover your personal favorite style.
Why not enjoy your favorite craft whisky in the way that suits you best?
[ForCompanies Considering Craft Whisky Production]
A Must-Read for Those Planning to Launch a Craft Whisky Distillery. Did you know that by integrating a microbrewery model, it is possible to produce craft whisky even on a small scale?
Furthermore, we offer a strategy to generate revenue even during the long maturation period.Why not consider launching your craft whisky business with Augst Beer?
We have a proven track record of supporting successful distillery launches across Japan.
[Request Information]