Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery
History of Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery
A Rising Demand, A New Distillery (1972): The Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery, also known as the Mount Fuji Distillery, boasts a rich history intertwined with the rise of Japanese whisky. Established in 1972, the distillery was born from a period of booming whisky consumption in Japan.
Kirin Brewery Company Ltd, a major player in the Japanese beverage industry, saw an opportunity and partnered with Seagram Company Ltd (Canada) and Chivas Brothers (UK) to form Kirin Seagram Ltd. This joint venture laid the foundation for the distillery’s creation.
Location and Resources (1972-Present): The specific location for the distillery wasn’t chosen by chance. Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, sits nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, offering a pristine environment and access to a crucial ingredient – pure water.
The distillery utilizes natural spring water filtered through volcanic rock for decades, contributing to the unique character of their whiskies.
Focus on Grain and Innovation (1972-2004): Initially, the Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery focused primarily on grain whiskies, which were popular blends in Japan at the time. This expertise in grain whisky production continues to be a hallmark of the distillery, influencing their blended whiskies.
However, recognizing the growing appreciation for single malts, Kirin released their first single malt whisky in 2004, showcasing their dedication to innovation.
A World of Whisky Styles (Present): Today, the Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery stands as the world’s largest whisky producer, with a capacity of 12 million liters annually. They offer a diverse range of whiskies, including single malts, grain whiskies, and award-winning blends.
Their “Fuji” brand whisky is a testament to their commitment to crafting whiskies that cater to the Japanese palate, while also gaining international recognition.
A Legacy of Quality and Exploration (Present): The Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery continues to be a pivotal force in the Japanese whisky industry. Their focus on quality ingredients, innovative techniques, and a diverse range of styles solidify their position as a leader.
With a rich history and a commitment to exploration, the distillery looks forward to shaping the future of Japanese whisky.
Awards Won by Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery
- It has won the “World’s Best Grain Whisky” at the World Whiskies Awards (WWA) for its Fuji Gotemba Single Grain 25 Years Old Small Batch.
- Fuji Gotemba Distiller’s Select Single Grain has also been recognized at the WWA, further solidifying its reputation in the industry.
Fuji Gotemba Distillery Tour Information and Experience
Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery welcomes visitors with a free tour! Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect:
A Convenient Journey (Reservations and Getting There): Tours are available every 30 minutes, lasting roughly 70 minutes. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made online (3 months in advance) or by phone (same day for single travelers).
The distillery even offers a complimentary shuttle service from Gotemba Station, making the trip from Tokyo or other nearby areas a breeze.
A Glimpse into Whisky Making (The Tour Itself): While the tour commentary is primarily in Japanese, fret not! English audio guides and informative pamphlets are available to bridge the language gap.
The tour takes you through the fascinating process of whisky making, from the selection of raw ingredients to the intricate stages of mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation. You’ll get a firsthand look at the gleaming copper pot stills and traditional wooden casks that contribute to the distinctive character of Kirin whiskies.
A Taste of Mount Fuji (The Tasting Experience): Following the tour, the highlight for many is the complimentary tasting session. Here, you can savor the fruits of the distillery’s labor, sampling different expressions of their whiskies.
This allows you to appreciate the subtle nuances imparted by the unique production process and the influence of Mount Fuji’s pristine environment.
A Memorable Souvenir (The Gift Shop): No distillery tour is complete without a visit to the gift shop. Here, you can find a curated selection of Kirin whiskies, including exclusive bottlings and limited editions, perfect for commemorating your visit.
Additionally, the shop offers branded merchandise like glasses, chocolates, and other souvenirs to remind you of your journey into the world of Japanese whisky.
Overall, the Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery tour is a captivating experience for both whisky enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. It provides a unique opportunity to delve into the history and heritage of Japanese whisky production, all while enjoying the scenic beauty of Mount Fuji.
It’s always a good idea to check the distillery’s website for any updates on tour schedules, reservation requirements, or potential changes due to holidays.
Flask & Barrel Review of Fuji Gotemba Distillery
As a seasoned whiskey collector who’s done a ton of distillery tours, Kirin Fuji Gotemba gets a high five from me. Sure, the tour itself is mostly in Japanese, but the audio guide did a great job explaining everything.
Plus, who needs words when you can see those giant copper stills up close? The coolest part, though, was definitely the tasting. Sipping their whisky right there, knowing it was made with water filtered through Mount Fuji rocks, well, that’s an experience you don’t get everywhere.
The gift shop was a hit too – snagged a bottle I won’t find anywhere else. Overall, awesome tour, delicious whiskey, and a killer souvenir – Kirin Fuji Gotemba gets a 4.7 out of 5 stars for sure!
What To Do Nearby Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery
Gotemba Premium Outlets (2 miles): Shop till you drop at this massive outlet mall. With over 210 stores offering luxury brands, sports apparel, and international favorites, it’s a shopper’s paradise.
Lake Kawaguchiko (8 miles): Escape the urban landscape and embrace the beauty of nature at Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. Enjoy scenic boat rides, explore charming lakeside towns, or simply soak in the majestic views of Mount Fuji reflected on the water’s surface.
Gotemba Kogen Toki no Sumika (2.5 miles): If you’re traveling with kids (or just a kid at heart!), check out Gotemba Kogen Toki no Sumika, a theme park featuring a mix of amusement rides, animal encounters, and seasonal light displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery?
Gora Brewery & Grill: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1300-7 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +81 460-82-0189.
La Terrazza: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1320-1239 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan. For reservations, you can contact them at +81 460-82-8311.
Woody: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1320-485 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan. For reservations, you can call them at +81 460-82-4488.
What hotels are near Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery?
Mars Garden Wood Gotemba: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1089 Higashitanaka, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0026, Japan. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +81 550-70-1170.
Hotel Clad: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 2839-1 Fukasawa, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0023, Japan. For reservations, you can contact them at +81 550-81-0321.
Hotel Square Fuji Gotemba: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1978-2 Higashitanaka, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0026, Japan. For reservations, you can call them at +81 550-70-2333.