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 Tottori Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Tottori Prefecture
Tottori’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
3 Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Tottori Prefecture
Kurayoshi Distillery
Chiyomusubi Sakaiminato 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?
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 Tottori Craft Whisky
Number of Whisky Distilleries in Tottori Prefecture
There are currently two whisky distilleries in Tottori Prefecture (as of August 2024; source: JWIC).
They are located in Kurayoshi City and Sakaiminato City.
Several sake breweries with long-standing expertise and experience in Japanese sake production have also begun venturing into whisky making.
Tottori’s Drinking Culture and the Characteristics of Its Craft Whisky
Tottori Prefecture is part of the Chūgoku region, facing the Sea of Japan, and is known for its rich natural landscapes and historical culture.
The prefectural capital is Tottori City, and Tottori has the smallest population of all prefectures in Japan.
One of its most famous landmarks is the Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest sand dunes in Japan and a popular tourist destination. The prefecture is also home to Mount Daisen, where outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing are widely enjoyed.
Tottori is an active region for brewing, with a strong tradition in sake production, as well as wineries and other alcohol producers.
Although there are currently only two whisky distilleries, the number is expected to grow in the future.
3 Recommended Whisky Distilleries in Tottori Prefecture
Kurayoshi Distillery
Address:
656-1 Kamifurukawa, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan
Official Website / Social Media:
https://matsuiwhisky.com/company/distillery/
This distillery is operated by Matsui Shuzo.
Located in Kurayoshi City with views of Mount Daisen, the distillery produces whisky using high-quality natural spring water.
Matsui Shuzo oversees the production of a wide range of whiskies, from single malt whiskies distilled in-house to blended whiskies made with spirits sourced from undisclosed distilleries in Japan and abroad.
Chiyomusubi Sakaiminato Distillery
Address:
131 Taisho-machi, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan
Official Website / Social Media:
https://www.chiyomusubi.co.jp/info/2023/08/post-128.html
This is a sake brewery best known for producing “Chiyomusubi,” a sake made using locally grown rice from Tottori Prefecture.
In August 2023, the brewery introduced distillation equipment and began producing whisky.
Located along Mizuki Shigeru Road, the brewery also offers tours and visits, making it a popular stop for visitors to the 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?
For Companies Considering Craft Whisky Production
Thinking about starting a craft whisky distillery? This is for you.
By combining a distillery with a microbrewery, you can produce craft whisky on a small scale. You can even generate revenue while the whisky is aging.
[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]