The Spirit of Japanese Whisky at Karuizawa
JAPANESE WHISKY
Craftsmanship Rooted in Time
At Karuizawa Whisky Co., Ltd., the making of Japanese whisky is a pursuit of excellence. Inspired by the natural beauty of Karuizawa and the wisdom of traditional craftsmanship, each spirit is distilled with care and allowed to evolve naturally over time.
Guided by the belief that the environment and spirit must work in harmony, we continue a lineage that honors Japan’s distinctive approach to whisky, refined, understated, and enduring. From the shape of our pot stills to the stewardship of every cask, each detail speaks to a philosophy that values patience over haste, and authenticity over artifice.
The Evolution of
Japanese Whisky
Japanese whisky is shaped by generations of craftsmanship, guided by principles of
precision, patience, and harmony. Since the early 20th century, Japanese distillers
have developed a singular approach that emphasizes balance over boldness and depth
through evolution. What began with deep study has matured into a world-respected
tradition defined by its own character and sensibility.
At Karuizawa, this evolution continues. As the only whisky distillery in the town of
Karuizawa today, we contribute to the future of Japanese whisky through continuity.
Every decision, from the selection of raw ingredients to the climate in which we age
our casks, reflects a belief in the value of long-form maturation and place-based
craft.
Karuizawa’s Climate
A Natural Ally in Maturation
At the foot of Mt. Asama, Karuizawa’s cool, alpine climate plays a subtle but
profound
role in whisky maturation. Cold winters and cool summers create an environment where
casks can mature slowly and naturally.
Rather than impose control, we allow nature to shape each spirit’s evolution. Over
years, the whisky deepens in complexity, developing a strength and richness unique
to
this mountain landscape. This partnership between environment and spirit is the
silent
architect of our whisky’s character.
Honoring Tradition in
Every Drop
Each step of production at Karuizawa Whisky Distillery is grounded in traditional methods and thoughtful choices. We distill using lantern-shaped pot stills crafted by Forsyths of Scotland, echoing the equipment used by the former Karuizawa Distillery. Maturation takes place exclusively in carefully-selected sherry casks, ensuring depth, richness, and continuity of flavor. Our philosophy resists the shortcuts of modern efficiency. Instead, we focus on developing whisky that expresses patience, purity, and the complexity that defines the best of Japanese whisky traditions.
The Roots of Japanese Whisky Craftsmanship
Honoring a Japanese Whisky Heritage
The story of Karuizawa Whisky Distillery begins with a deep connection to tradition.
Founded under the leadership of Shigeru Totsuka, the 16th-generation head of Totsuka
Shuzo, an historic sake brewery established in 1653, the distillery seeks to carry
forward and reinterpret the spirit of the former Karuizawa Distillery. Production
resumed under the guidance of Osami Uchibori, former Malt Master of the previous
distillery, whose philosophy continues to influence our approach.
Our Japanese whisky-making is guided by Yoshiyuki Nakazato, the Master Distiller factory
manager of the former distillery, whose experience ensures continuity with the past
while charting a new course. Drawing from Japan’s broader whisky heritage and the
specific legacy of Karuizawa, Nakazato led the first distillation at the end of 2022.
This enduring continuity of people, place, and purpose continues to shape the whisky we
craft today.
