The Karuizawa Approach to
Crafting Whisky
Where Precision Meets Provenance
At Karuizawa Whisky Co., Ltd. whisky-making is a practice of patience, shaped by the rhythms of nature and inherited methods refined over generations. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Asama, our casks mature in a uniquely alpine climate, where temperature shifts gently draw out the spirit's depth over time. Our philosophy is rooted in the classical Karuizawa style, rich, full-bodied single malt that reflects the harmony between distillation technique, cask selection, and natural aging. Every cask remains undisturbed for years, developing a profile that unfolds with subtle clarity for those who appreciate delightful nuance in every sip.
A Legacy Reimagined in the Highlands of
Karuizawa
Through the leadership of Shigeru Totsuka, 16th-generation head of Totsuka Shuzo, a
sake brewery founded in 1653, the Karuizawa Whisky Distillery was established in the
town of Karuizawa. Drawing from the legacy of the original Karuizawa Distillery,
production resumed under the guidance of Osami Uchibori, its former Malt Master,
with his protégé Yoshiyuki Nakazato appointed as Master Distiller.
Nakazato, once factory manager of the former distillery, oversaw our first
distillation in late 2022. Matured in the region's mountain climate, each cask
evolves slowly and without interference. This enduring connection between people,
place, and philosophy defines our work today.
How Nature Shapes Every
Karuizawa Cask
The Karuizawa region offers a natural environment unlike any other in the world of whisky. Cold winters, cool summers, and a dramatic difference between day and night temperatures allow casks to breathe deeply over time. This mountain climate encourages a slow evolution of flavor that cannot be rushed or replicated elsewhere.
Rather than chase control, we embrace nature as a collaborator. The resulting spirit develops its own strength, marked by complexity and a resonance that lingers.
Honouring Time in
Every Bottle
Every release reflects a moment shaped by Karuizawa's natural surroundings, the influence of sherry casks, and the steady care given by experienced hands over many years. The outcome is not a product, but a story distilled and preserved.
Our approach is informed by the expertise of craftsmen connected to the former Karuizawa Distillery. The same dedication continues through every stage of distillation and maturation.
- We distill using lantern-shaped pot stills designed by Forsyths of Scotland, replicating the equipment used at the former Karuizawa Distillery.
- Maturation takes place exclusively in carefully sourced sherry casks, maintaining the tradition that once defined Karuizawa's signature character.
- These casks rest in the cool mountain climate of Karuizawa, where slow maturation develops a depth and balance over time.
Our Collection
Anticipating Excellence
True character takes time to emerge. The first Karuizawa
Whisky single malt distillation
was completed at the end of 2022 and will undergo extended maturation before being
considered for bottling. The inaugural release is anticipated in 2033 following a decade
of uninterrupted aging.
This will not be a release driven by scale or market demands. It reflects the influence
of Karuizawa's mountain climate and the time-honored methods that guide each cask to
maturity. For those who seek depth and refinement, it will mark the beginning of a new
chapter in the Karuizawa tradition.
