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 Gifu Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Gifu Prefecture
Gifu’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
3 Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Gifu Prefecture
Hida Takayama Distillery
Yoro 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 Gifu Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Gifu Prefecture
There are two whisky distilleries in Gifu Prefecture (as of September 2024; source: JWIC).
They are located in Takayama City and Yoro District, respectively.
Hida Takayama Distillery is housed in a former elementary school that was closed down, and it is the first whisky distillery established in Gifu Prefecture.
Gifu’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
Gifu Prefecture is located in central Japan and is blessed with a rich natural environment.
The northern area is dominated by the Hida Mountain Range, while the southern region extends across the Nōbi Plain, giving the prefecture clear seasonal contrasts. These geographical and climatic conditions have a strong influence on local alcohol production.
Gifu is particularly well known for its sake. The Hida and Mino regions differ in climate and natural conditions, resulting in distinct styles of sake.
Sake from the Hida region often features a clean, dry profile shaped by the cold climate, with a deep flavor that brings out the umami of the rice.
In contrast, sake from the Mino region tends to be slightly sweeter and softer in character.
Craft whisky production in Gifu is still developing, but the region shows strong potential for further growth.
3. Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Gifu Prefecture
Hida Takayama Distillery
Address: 164-2 Shimonomukai, Takane-machi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Official Website / SNS: https://www.whisky-hida.com/
Hida Takayama Distillery, the first whisky distillery in Gifu Prefecture, is a distinctive facility that repurposes a former elementary school into a whisky distillery.
Planning for the distillery began in 2021, and with the cooperation of numerous experts, including Takahiko Inagaki of Saburomaru Distillery and T&T TOYAMA, the distillery was successfully established in approximately two years.
Surrounded by the magnificent natural environment of the Hida Mountains, including Mt. Norikura and Mt. Ontake, and using pristine mountain water, the distillery produces high-quality whisky.
Yoro Distillery
Address: 800-3 Takada, Yoro Town, Yoro District, Gifu Prefecture
Official Website / SNS: https://www.minogiku.co.jp/
Yoro Distillery is operated by Gyokusendo Shuzo Co., Ltd.In 2018, Gyokusendo Shuzo resumed whisky distillation for the first time in about 40 years and released the single malt whisky “Peak Whisky New Born 2018.”
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.
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