As many readers know, a growing number of Japanese breweries have branched into distilling operations the last few years, perhaps most notable among them, Kiuchi Shuzo, makers of Hitachino Nest. There’s always been crossover between the worlds of spirits and beer, and several members of the Japan Beer Times team even helped with the launch of a new publication, the Whisky & Spirits Journal of Japan. As with beer, festivals are a big part of the whisky scene in Japan so it was time to explore that..
During the final weekend of August we attended the inaugural Whisky Festival 2023 in Yokohama. The Japanese Whiskey Research Centre regularly holds similar events in Tokyo and Osaka, but we were ecstatic to see it come to Yokohama, the charming, metropolitan city our company calls home. The event venue, Osanbashi Pier, features one of the more attractive event spaces in the city and is, as many of you know, a frequent space for beer festivals. It’s a functioning cruise ship terminal with a contemporary design resembling the wooden decks of a ship.
The fest was split into four sessions, two per day, with 800 guests maximum. All four sessions were completely sold out in advance, indicative of just how popular Japanese whisky and spirits have become. About sixty companies total were represented, composed of producers, importers, and periphery businesses, such as chocolates and glassware. As you might expect, the nearly thirty Japanese distillers and spirits producers attracted the most attention. As the industry continues to grow we are thrilled to see creative new premium makers come on board as well as the release of unique products from the veterans. Some, including Kanosuke, Saburomaru, and Gaiaflow, made original bottles that were only available through a raffle at the event.
This was a worthwhile occasion where we not only got to taste some of Japan’s finest products, but also meet many of the people behind them. We look forward to the next event in Yokohama, but in the meantime keep an eye on Whisky Festival 2023 in Tokyo this December 2nd and 3rd. Even if you are a beer lover at heart, we think you’ll enjoy this change of pace–if you can get tickets, that is!
