Yamazaki Distillery And The Birth Of Japanese Whisky

You can’t talk about Japanese whisky without discussing Yamazaki Distillery. Located in the serene valley where three rivers converge near Kyoto, Yamazaki was not just Japan's first commercial whisky distillery; it was the embodiment of a dream to craft a whisky that could stand alongside Scotland's finest, yet possess a distinct Japanese soul. Its establishment in 1923 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Japanese spirits, a direct result of the shared vision of two remarkable individuals: Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Taketsuru.

The Founding Fathers Of Japanese Whisky

Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Taketsuru were pivotal to the growth of Japanese whisky industry, with their impact still felt today. Born in Osaka in 1879, Torii had already carved a successful path in pharmaceuticals and later the wine and spirits trade, establishing Kotobukiya, the precursor to today's Suntory Holdings Limited. Torii harbored a grand ambition: to produce a genuine Japanese whisky. While not a distiller himself, he possessed the business acumen and unwavering determination to bring his vision to life. He sought out someone with the technical expertise to realize his dream. That individual was Masataka Taketsuru

Shinjiro Torii

Born near Hiroshima in 1894 into a sake-brewing family, Masataka Taketsuru developed a strong interest in Scotch whisky. As a young man, he traveled to the United Kingdom, where he studied distillation at the University of Glasgow and gained practical experience working in Scottish distilleries. While overseas he would fall in love and marry a Scottish woman, Rita Cowan, who would become an unwavering supporter of his ambitions throughout his life.

Masataka Taketsuru

Yamazaki Distillery Takes Shape

Shinjiro Torii recognized Taketsuru's expertise as the key to his whisky dream. In 1923, their partnership culminated in the establishment of Yamazaki Distillery. Yamazaki's location was carefully selected by Taketsuru for its ideal whisky-making environment: pure water, diverse climate with distinct seasons, and a misty, humid atmosphere reminiscent of parts of Scotland. The early years at Yamazaki were a period of intense learning and adaptation as they experimented with different techniques and barley varieties to create a distinctly Japanese whisky.

While their collaboration at Yamazaki laid the foundation for Japanese whisky, Torii and Taketsuru eventually held differing visions for the future. In 1934, Taketsuru decided to pursue his own independent vision, founding Nikka Whisky, which continues to produce highly regarded whiskies to this day, including Nikka From The Barrel Japanese Whisky and Yoichi Single Malt Whisky, among others.

Despite Taketsuru's departure, Yamazaki continued to flourish under Torii's guidance and the expertise of subsequent master blenders. As Japanese whisky gained recognition both domestically and internationally, Yamazaki became synonymous with quality and tradition. Its influence extended beyond its own production, shaping the overall aesthetic and philosophy of Japanese whisky making.

Yamazaki's Enduring Legacy and Production

Today, Suntory Yamazaki Distillery continues to produce some of the most highly regarded Japanese whiskies in the world. The distillery employs a variety of stills and casks, allowing for a diverse range of flavor profiles. Yamazaki whiskies are known for their delicate balance, complexity, and subtle nuances, reflecting the unique terroir of the region.

The distillery's water source, the region’s climate, and the use of Japanese Mizunara oak are all factors that contribute to the unique flavor profile of Yamazaki. Expressions such as the Yamazaki 12 Year Old, Yamazaki 18 Year Old, Yamazaki 25 Year Old, Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve, and Yamazaki Mizunara showcase the distillery's mastery and the unique terroir of the region.

Why Yamazaki Matters

Yamazaki's importance in Japanese whisky history cannot be overstated. It is not merely a distillery; it is the birthplace of an industry. It is a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to quality. The brand’s influence is seen in the global recognition Japanese whisky commands today. Having recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, Suntory Yamazaki Distillery has become a benchmark for excellence, inspiring whisky enthusiasts worldwide to explore the unique character of Japanese spirits. 

Photos courtesy of Suntory