Since 1915, when Kame-zo Miyashita, the first generation of the company, started the brewing business in Tamano City, it has been a brewer with a history of more than 100 years, producing a number of famous sake.
The company’s philosophy is to handle all kinds of alcoholic beverages, and it is constantly taking on new challenges.
The first local beer in the Chugoku region, “Doppo” was a hit, and in 2011, the company obtained a license to produce whisky in order to spread Japanese craft whisky overseas at a time when whisky was considered to be in a slump.
It has been three years since Miyashita Brewery, with its outstanding foresight, launched the single malt whisky Okayama.
It has been three years since Miyashita Shuzo launched the Okayama single malt whisky, and this time it is the triple cask version that was so popular last time.
1. Manufacturer
Miyashita Brewery Co.
| Establishment | 1915 |
| Head office location | 184 Nishikawahara, Naka-ku, Okayama 703-8258, Japan |
| Owned distillery | Okayama Distillery |
2. Distillery
Okayama Distillery
| Location | 184 Nishikawahara, Naka-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 703-8258 |
| Start of operation | 2015 (Whisky production license was acquired in 2011) |
It was founded in 1915 by Kamezo Miyashita in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture.
In 1967, in search of better water, the brewery was moved to Nishikawahara, Naka-ku, Okayama City, on the banks of the Asahi River, one of the three major rivers in Okayama.
The Asahikawa River’s subterranean water is drawn up from 100 meters underground and used for brewing. Nearby is Korakuen Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, and the cold spring of Omachi, selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan, providing a blessed brewing environment.
Main History
1915 Kame-zo Miyashita I started brewing sake in Tamano City.
1983 Started producing shochu.
1995 Launched “Doppo” , the first local beer in the Chugoku region.
2011 Obtained a license to manufacture whisky.
2015 Celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the company.
Installed a whisky distiller (pot still).
2016 Launched Craft Gin Okayama.
2017 Whiskey Okayama was released.
Image source: YouTube
Address 703-8258
185-1 Nishikawahara, Naka-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
For more information about Okayama Distillery, please see here.
3. Product name and photo
Single malt whisky Okayama Triple Cask
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4. Characteristics
Gold medal winner at Meiningers International Spirits Award ISW 2019
This is a limited-edition triple cask single malt whisky made by malt barley from two-row barley grown in Okayama Prefecture, matured for more than three years in brandy, sherry, and Quercus casks, and then bathed in these three casks.
It was awarded Category Winner at the World Whiskies Awards 2020, the highest award in the Single Malt No Age category.
4-1. Tasting Notes
| Nose | Moist vanilla aroma. The chocolate-like sweet aroma increases with water. |
| Taste | On the palate, you can taste almonds and brandy with a hint of peat. |
| Aftertaste | A lingering nutty aftertaste is followed by a hint of sherry. |
4-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 43% |
| alcohol category | Single malt whisky |
| Barrel type |
Aged for at least 3 years in brandy, sherry and Quercus barrels.
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| Contents | 700ml |
| Number of bottles sold | ー |
| Suggested retail price | 16,500 yen (tax included) |
| Release date | July, 2019 |
5. Awards
Meiningers International Spirits Award ISW 2019 Gold Medal
Category Winner, World Whiskies Awards 2020, Single Malt No Age Category
6. Price
6-1. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price
| Product name | Single Malt Whisky Okayama Triple Cask |
| Capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested retail price | 15,000 yen (tax included: 16,500 yen) |
6-2. Resale price on Mercari
The resale price on Mercari is around 15,000 yen to 23,000 yen. (*As of February 14 , 2021)
It is currently difficult to obtain, and unfortunately some resale seems to have taken place on online auctions, etc.
6-3. Yahoo Auction Sold Price
The winning bid price on Yahoo Auction is Lowest bidder: 11,000 yen, highest bidder: 22,300 yen, average bidder: 16,514 yen.
(*Statistics for the past 120 days since February 14 , 2021)
6-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
Mail order sites also sell them for around 16,500-18,000 yen. (*As of February 14 , 2021)
.6-5. Price offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR SHINKAI”, which is operated by our website, we offer even small amounts such as 1 glass, 45ml: 4,290 yen, 30ml: 2,860 yen, 15ml: 1,430 yen.
7. Summary
Miyashita Brewery has won numerous awards at the National New Breweries Competition, including “Doppo” the first local beer in the Chugoku region, and “Kiwamihiziri” a Japanese sake that now represents Okayama.
The name “Ginjo whisky” gives it a complex and deep flavor, and the skills of sake brewing cultivated over the past 100 years shine through.
I recommend drinking it straight, preferably in a straight glass or a wine glass with a wide mouth to feel the aroma.
Please check out the other articles about Okayama.
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.
