Sakurao Distillery announces the release of a new whisky, Togouchi, aged in a tunnel filled with fog, and introduces a product named MISTY.
STILLMAN’S SELECTION is a limited release from SAKURAO B&D. In the past, [Sakurao Sherry Cask] was released. This time, it will be a new product in Togouchi.
1. Single Malt Japanese Whisky Togouchi MISTY STILLMAN’S SELECTION features
Whisky matured in a cask covered with fog to showcase the natural beauty of Togouchi.
Deep in the mountains of northwestern Hiroshima, SAKURAO DISTILLERY’s whisky is matured in the fantastic misty Tugouchi Tunnel.
The hoops of the barrels are rusted to the point of breaking, and the whisky matured in this harsh environment for the barrels has a unique flavor and aroma. In the mist-filled Togouchi Tunnel, we found a whisky barrel that emits a radiance and aroma that seems to embody the environment of Togouchi. Stillman selected excellent malt whiskies with his delicate sensibility for the “Single Malt Japanese Whisky Togouchi MISTY STILLMAN’S SELECTION”. We are proud to present a whisky that symbolizes the fantastic Togouchi environment.
Tasting notes
Color／Light amber
Aroma／Banana, orange, apple, young grass
Taste／Apple pie, cream puff, jasmine tea
Finish／Long, refreshing aftertaste with vanilla and fruit sweetness and refreshing aroma.
| Product Name | Single Malt Japanese Whisky Togouchi MISTY STILLMAN’S SELECTION |
|---|---|
| By Sake | Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Ingredients | Sakurao Distillery Malt Sake |
| Cask Type | Casks |
| Number of bottles sold | Number of bottles |
| Number of | 48% (1,000ppm) |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Price | 16,500 yen (tax included) |
| Producer | Sakurao Brewery and Distillery Co. |
In addition, a tasting forum will be held this time by Mr. Kazunori Shizutani, Mr. Tsuyoshi Kitakaji, and Mr. Yutatsu Akimoto, who represent the Japanese whiskey world, and the forum can be viewed on the official SAKURAO B&D website. ↓↓.
2. Manufacturer
Sakurao Brewery and Distillery Co.
| Founded | 1918 |
| Head Office Location | 1-12-1 Sakurao, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 738-8602, Japan |
| Owned Distillery | Sakurao Distillery |
3. Distillery
Sakurao Distillery
| Address | 1-12-1 Sakurao, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 738-8602 |
| 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. The original distilled spirit at that time 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. (Ninety percent is exported to Europe, according to the company.)
In December 2017, as a 100th anniversary project, new equipment was installed to produce high quality single malt whiskey and a craft distillery “SAKURAO DISTILLERY” from Hiroshima was built. distillation started in January 2018.
| December 2017 | Completed construction of SAKURAO DISTILLERY. |
|---|---|
| October 2018 | SAKURAO DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTER opens |
| 2019 | SAKURAO DISTILLERY second phase construction (introduction of grain whisky distillation equipment and new whiskey storage facility) |
| March 2021 | Company name changed to SAKURAO BREWERY AND DISTILLERY Co. |
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4. Past works of the 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.
