Japanese Whisky World Ep 23 – From Japanese Gin to Japanese Whisky (At Sakurao Distillery)

Join us on a journey to discover the most exciting new and established whisky producers and distillers across Japan, and meet the people who are really driving the future of the Japanese whisky industry. As she gets to know the craftspeople of the industry, Kilara is learning the stories of these whisky pioneers to share with the world.

New whisky is on the way from Sakurao distillery – a producer who has forged a great reputation around the world for their amazing gin, using botanicals harvested locally in Hiroshima prefecture. In July 2021, Sakuroa distillery released their very first single malt whisky, and Kilara got the chance to visit the distillery in June, when their whisky was hot off the still.

Kilara speaks to Taihei Yamamoto, Head Distiller at Sakurao distillery. Watch the interview to learn:

• What is takes to distil internationally-recognised gins and whiskies

• How climate has an impact on the different spirits produced at Sakurao and Togouchi

• How Sakurao distillery is making use of local resources, including local fruits and botanical products, to create products that have a strong local connection

• When we can expect to see their exciting new single malts on the market

• And see behind the scenes of a real, working gin and whisky distillery!