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 Gunma Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Gunma Prefecture
Gunma’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
3 Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Gunma Prefecture
Kurabuchi Distillery
Kita-Karuizawa 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 Gunma Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Gunma Prefecture
There are two whisky distilleries in Gunma Prefecture (as of September 2024; source: JWIC).
They are located in Takasaki City and Agatsuma District.
Gunma, long known for its established sake breweries, provides an environment well-suited to alcohol production, making it likely that the number of whisky distilleries will continue to increase.
Gunma’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
Gunma Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of the Kanto region and is surrounded by rich natural landscapes and majestic mountains.
Mountain ranges such as Mount Tanigawa and Mount Akagi, which include some of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, provide the area with clean and abundant water sources.
Gunma is also known for its hot springs, with famous resorts such as Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen scattered throughout the prefecture.
Gunma experiences large temperature differences between seasons, creating ideal conditions for alcohol production.
Sake is the primary alcoholic beverage produced in the prefecture, with “Mizubasho” being one of the most well-known brands. Mizubasho is known for its smooth, fruity flavor.
In recent years, craft beer and wine production have also gained attention, further diversifying Gunma’s alcohol culture.
Although there are currently only two craft whisky distilleries, the category is expected to continue growing.
3. Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Gunma Prefecture
Kurabuchi Distillery
Address: 2625-1 Gonda, Kurabuchi-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture
Official Website / SNS: https://kurabuchi-distillery.jp/
This distillery traces its origins back to 1690 (Genroku 3) as a sake brewery.
With the aim of creating a new source of Japanese whisky, it developed its original craft whisky, “Kurabuchi.”
The distillery takes pride in its unique non-filtration production method.
Kita-Karuizawa Distillery
Address: 1991-127 Kita-Karuizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Official Website / SNS: https://link-kitakaru.co.jp/
One of the defining characteristics of Kita-Karuizawa Distillery is its high altitude.
India’s Amrut Distillery, known for producing the so-called “whisky from the sky,” operates at an altitude of about 920 meters, but Kita-Karuizawa Distillery goes even higher, producing whisky at approximately 1,100 meters above sea level.
Distilling at high altitude lowers the boiling point, allowing for a rich expression of the malt’s natural flavors.
This is a carefully handcrafted whisky made possible by the meticulous approach of a small-scale distillery.
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]
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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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