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 Hokkaido Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Hokkaido Prefecture
Hokkaido’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
3 Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Tottori Prefecture
Niseko Distillery
Rishiri Distillery
Umaoi 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.
The Appeal of Craft Whisky
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 Is a Small-Scale Distillery (Craft Distillery / Micro-Distillery)?
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 Hokkaido Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Hokkaido Prefecture
As of September 2024, there are seven whisky distilleries in Hokkaido (as of September 2024; source: JWIC).
With seven distilleries, Hokkaido ranks among the regions in Japan with a relatively high concentration of whisky production.
In addition to distilleries located in Sapporo and Niseko, Nikka Whisky’s Yoichi Distillery is also situated in Yoichi. Given its cool climate, abundant water sources, and vast land, Hokkaido is well-positioned to see further growth in the number of whisky distilleries.
Hokkaido’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost region and is characterized by its rich natural environment and cold climate. Making use of these conditions, a wide variety of alcoholic beverages are produced in Hokkaido.
Sake production is concentrated mainly in southern and central Hokkaido. The cold climate is well-suited to brewing, resulting in sake with a clean and refreshing taste. Locally grown sake rice varieties such as Ginpu and Suisei are used, and many sakes are produced with delicate aromas and a crisp finish.
Wine production is also active in areas such as Yoichi Town and the Furano region. Yoichi Town, in particular, has a cool climate suitable for grape cultivation, and its wines are characterized by fruity flavors and refreshing acidity.
In addition, craft beer and craft whisky have been gaining attention in Hokkaido. At Nikka Whisky’s Yoichi Distillery in Yoichi Town, whisky with a strong peaty and smoky character is produced.
3. Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Hokkaido
Niseko Distillery
Address:
478-15 Niseko, Niseko Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido
Official Website / SNS:
https://niseko-distillery.com/ja/
Niseko Distillery is located in Niseko Town, Hokkaido, overlooking the majestic mountain range of the Niseko Mountains.
The distillery plans to release its whisky from 2024 onward and has an annual production capacity of 90,000 liters, including gin.
The area surrounding Niseko Distillery is home to numerous resort hotels and is a popular destination as a resort area, resulting in strong inbound tourism demand. Visitors can join guided tours that include explanations of the distillation process, visits to the storage warehouses, and paid tastings at the bar counter.
Rishiri Distillery
Address:
128-2 Kamui, Kutsugata, Rishiri Town, Rishiri District, Hokkaido
Official Website / SNS:
https://kamuiwhisky.com/ja/home-ja/
Rishiri Distillery is operated by Kamui Whisky.
The distillery opened in 2022 on Rishiri Island, located offshore from Wakkanai City at the northernmost tip of Hokkaido, and plans its first shipment in 2025. The founder of Kamui Whisky is Casey Wall, an American, who says that his experience visiting Islay Island inspired the establishment of Rishiri Distillery.
Rishiri Distillery’s one-batch production uses 175 kg of malt, making it one of the smallest-scale operations in Japan. During winter, temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius, making operations impossible, and the distillery is completely shut down from late December through March.
Umaoi Distillery
Address:
Kaga Dantai, Naganuma Town, Yubari District, Hokkaido
Official Website / SNS:
https://maoidistillery.com/
Umaoi Distillery began whisky distillation in September 2022.
Originally operating as Maoi Winery, the company established Umaoi Distillery with plans to produce not only wine but also fruit brandy, grappa, grain whisky, and malt whisky.
At the distillery, there is a tasting counter where visitors can sample Maoi wines as well as gin from the group’s other distillery, Benizakura Distillery, and purchase products on site. Whisky is scheduled to be added in 2025.
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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