Karuizawa Distillers, has today announced that the stills at
their new state-of-the-art Komoro Distillery, have run for the first time.
This latest news from the distillery located on the
outskirts of Komoro in Japan – just seven miles from the original Karuizawa
Distillery site, is hugely significant and symbolic in its timing, happening
during what is the 100th anniversary year of Japanese whisky-making.
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| Komoro Distillery runs its stills for the first time |
Komoro Distillery is the result of a combination of visions of its husband-and-wife team founders Koji and Yoshie Shimaoka, and the talent and dedication of Master Blender, Ian Chang - who along with his team are poised to deliver the best Japanese single malt whisky, in the most environmentally friendly way possible, whilst honouring and protecting the legacy of the Karuizawa name.
Ian has a carefully planned wood-management policy -
something he believes his late mentor, Dr. Jim Swan would be proud of. He will
use not only high-quality ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks, but also rare
Mizunara oak casks, and STR (Shaved, Toasted and Recharred) casks – a cask type
pioneered by Dr. Swan, and Ian.
Komoro Distillery is said to be like no other, designed and
realised by award-winning architects, Akira and Mami Sogo. Combining views of
their Forsyths copper stills, from every room in the distillery, with supremely
clever, and almost other-worldly attention to detail, at every turn. The
visitor centre comprises a bar and shop on the first floor, complemented by
masterclass rooms on the second floor, primarily for the on-site Whisky
Academy.
The founders will welcome the people of Komoro on Saturday July
1st, for their first open day. The distillery anticipates opening its doors to
the public from July 23rd.
Komoro will become the first Asian continent distillery to
host the prestigious World Whisky Forum, in February 2024.
Posted by Steve Rush