“Sakurao Brewery and Distillery” (Sakurao B&D)” (formerly known as Chugoku Brewing Company), famous for its SAKURAO GIN, started a project in 2015 as part of its 100th anniversary project to build a new distillery.
SAKURAO DISTILLERY was established in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, known as the World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine, and began operations in January 2018.
1st Release cask strength of “Single Malt Japanese Whisky Sakurao” and “Single Malt Japanese Whisky Togouchi” in July 2021.
This Single Malt “Miyanoshika” is made by budding the above mentioned “Sakurao” and “Togouchi” original whisky.
The number of bottles will be limited to 3,000 and sold exclusively within the distillery.
1. Manufacturer
Sakurao Brewery and Distillery Co.
| Established | 1918 |
| Head office location | 1-12-1 Sakurao, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 738-8602, Japan |
| Owned Distillery | Sakurao Distillery |
2. Distillery
SAKURAO DISTILLERY
| Address | 1-12-1, Sakurao 1-chome, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima 738-8602, Japan |
| Start of operation | January 2018 |
SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY Co. in Hiroshima Prefecture is a long-established brewery established in 1918.
In fact, it has a deep history in whisky making, having produced and sold malt whisky from 1938 to 1989. At that time, the distilled spirit was stored in a warehouse in Togouchi that utilized a JR West Japan railroad exploratory tunnel.
In 2008, the company began selling “Togouchi Whisky”, a blend of the original whisky stored in the Togouchi storage facility and imported original whisky. (90% of the product is exported to Europe.)
In December 2017, as a 100th anniversary project, new equipment was installed to produce high quality single malt whisky and a craft distillery “SAKURAO DISTILLERY” from Hiroshima was built. distillation started in January 2018.
|
December 2017 |
SAKURAO DISTILLERY construction completed. |
| October 2018 | SAKURAO DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTER opens. |
| 2019 |
SAKURAO DISTILLERY second phase construction (introduction of grain whisky distillation equipment and new whisky storage facility) |
| March 2021 | Company name changed to SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY Co. |
 |
 |
Image source: SAKURAO DISTILLERY｜Craft distillery presented by Hiroshima to the world
3. Product name and photo
Single Malt Japanese Whisky MIYANOSHIKA
Single Malt Japanese Whisky MIYANOSHIKA
 |
 |
 |
 |
4. Characteristics
A fusion of the two characteristics of the sea and the mountains
The distillery is located on the ocean side of the distillery, and the barrels are matured in the tunnel in Togouchi.
The pleasant ocean aroma from the Sakurao Distillery, which is located on the ocean side of the distillery, and the smooth mouthfeel and mild taste from the Togouchi Distillery give the impression of a combination of the best of the two types of sake.
The label also has a very impressive design with a winged deer, which is an angel, on the label.
4-1. Tasting Notes
|
Aroma |
Ripe orange, pistachio |
| Taste | Mild sweetness reminiscent of marmalade |
| Aftertaste | Pleasant tidal aroma |
4-2. Product Specifications
|
Alcohol content |
50% |
| Distillate | Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Cask type | ー |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Number of bottles sold | 3,000 bottles |
| Suggested retail price | 9,900 yen (tax included) |
| Release date | ー |
5. Awards
No awards received at this time.
6. Price
6-1. Suggested Retail Price
| Product name | Single Malt Japanese Whisky MIYANOSHIKA |
| Capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested retail price | 9,900 yen (including tax) |
6-2. Resale price on Mercari
Resale prices on Mercari are around 14,000 yen to 18,000 yen. (*As of 4/14/2023)
Some of them were also sold as a set with Sakurao and Togouchi for 20,000 yen.
6-3. Sold price on Yahoo! Auction
The bid price on Yahoo! Auctions was 14,000 yen with only one example in the past. (*Statistics for the past 180 days from 4/12/2023)
6-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
The product does not appear to be currently available on any of these retail sites. (*As of 4/14/2023)
6-5. Price offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai” operated by this site, we offer small quantities such as 1 glass, 45ml: 2,970 yen, 30ml: 1,980 yen, 15ml: 990 yen, etc.
7. Summary
This is a fusion of two major brands of the Sakurao Distillery, “Sakurao” and “Togouchi”.
The woody, smoky aroma and lingering tidal flavor of Sakurao and the light, smooth, yet calm flavor of Togouchi are well blended to create a well-balanced whisky.
The box labels this whisky as “MIYANOSHIKA” series, and the description Batch No.1 suggests that future development of the series can be expected.
It is a pity that this whisky is sold only at the distillery, but if you have a chance, you should definitely try this whisky.
■Please check out the other articles about Sakurao Distillery.
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled “Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business” .
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan.
(5). Whiskey Rising
This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found.
