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 Ibaraki Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Ibaraki Prefecture
Ibaraki’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
3 Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Ibaraki Prefecture
Takazo Distillery
Yasato 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 Ibaraki Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Ibaraki
As of September 2024, there are two whisky distilleries in Ibaraki Prefecture (source: JWIC). They are located in Mito City and Ishioka City.
Ibaraki is rich in natural surroundings, with Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura in the south and the Yamizo mountain range extending across the north. Despite its proximity to Tokyo, the prefecture benefits from abundant natural resources, a favorable climate, and high-quality local ingredients, making it a region well suited to alcohol production.
Ibaraki’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
Located in the northeastern part of the Kanto region, Ibaraki Prefecture is an area where rich natural environments coexist with industrial zones. Blessed with landscapes such as Mount Tsukuba and Lake Kasumigaura, the region has a strong agricultural base, producing rice and fruit in abundance.
Winters are cold, creating a climate well suited to brewing, and Ibaraki has a long history of sake production. Ibaraki sake is typically made using locally grown rice and pure water from the Yamizo mountain system, resulting in many styles with a clean, dry finish, though more fruity expressions have also gained attention in recent years.
Representative sake breweries can be found in cities such as Mito, Yuki, Ishioka, and Chikusei, many of which boast long histories.
In addition, the production of craft beer and craft whisky has expanded in recent years, with distilleries drawing on the region’s natural environment to create distinctive spirits. The number of craft whisky distilleries in Ibaraki is expected to continue growing.
3. Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Ibaraki Prefecture
Takazo Distillery
Address: 338 Motoyoshida-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Official Website & SNS: https://takazo.meirishurui.com/
Takazo Distillery began a new chapter in 2022 under the theme “REBORN.” While carrying forward the spirit of previous generations, the distillery builds on foundations developed over 60 years of history, boldly incorporating new knowledge and techniques.
In fermentation, the distillery uses approximately three times the usual amount of yeast and allows for nearly double the fermentation period, promoting vigorous fermentation. It is also developing its own proprietary whisky yeast.
In terms of maturation, in addition to bourbon casks, the distillery also uses mizunara oak casks, regarded as a signature cask of Japanese whisky, as well as plum wine casks that previously held Hyakunen Umeshu and have absorbed its aromas and flavors. These distinctive cask choices are one of the distillery’s defining features, as it pursues the maturation of a uniquely fruity whisky characteristic of Japan.
Yasato Distillery
Address: 1300-8 Sugama, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Official Website & SNS: https://www.kodawari.cc/brewery/yasatodistillery.html
Yasato Distillery is located in the Yasato area of Ishioka City, surrounded by peaceful satoyama landscapes. Operations began in 2020.
The distillery is operated by Kiuchi Brewery, a long-established producer founded in 1823, known for its sake brand Kikumori as well as shochu, liqueurs, and wine. Kiuchi entered the beer business in 1996, and whisky production was first launched experimentally in 2016 at the Nukada Brewery, where its beer is produced.
To prepare for full-scale operations, an old community center on a spacious site in the Yasato area was renovated, leading to the establishment of the current 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]
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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