Kanosuke Single Malt

In the southwestern part of Japan, in Kagoshima prefecture's Hioki, lies the picturesque Kanosuke Distillery. Perched along the 47-kilometer stretch of Fukiage Hama, one of Japan's lengthiest beaches, Kanosuke boasts the unique title of being the nation's solitary beachfront whisky distillery. Their ethos is encapsulated in the phrase "Mellow Land, Mellow Whisky."

The roots of the Komasa Jyozo company, the parent company of Kanosuke Distillery, date back to 1883. However, it was the innovative spirit of the second-generation president and distillery namesake Kanosuke Komasa that truly inspired the company to start producing whisky when, in 1957, he unveiled Mellowed Kozuru, a groundbreaking shochu aged in oak casks; the industry's first venture into this form of aging.

Fast forward to the 2010s and the company was in the hands of fourth-generation president and grandson of Kanosuke, Yoshitsugu Komasa. Holding a master's degree in fermentation science from the Tokyo University of Agriculture, Yoshitsugu cut his teeth in the company as a salesman for the company, and it was during this time he recognised the challenges of promoting shochu beyond Japan's borders. Thus, the idea of venturing into whisky production was born.

And finally, in 2017 the whisky journey of Kanosuke Distillery began with the issuing of its distillation license. Construction started in March, and with true Japanese efficiency, production was complateded as soon as November the same year. The distillery's first single malt whisky was unveiled to the world in June 2021.

In addition to its unique beachfront location, the distillery is rather unusual in that it's been fitted out with three stills - one wash and two spirit - of different sizes and designs to help create a wide range of spirit styles. In addition, their use of ex-shochu casks for whisky aging adds another unique element into the mix.

The location of Kanosuke Distillery plays a pivotal role in shaping the character of its whiskies. The interplay of sea spray and significant temperature variations throughout the year creates an optimal environment for accelerated maturation. This geographical advantage, akin to many craft distilleries worldwide, ensures that even their young spirits exhibit remarkable depth and complexity.

Yoshitsugu met with Diageo's Distill Ventures in 2019 and within two years a partnership was signed, with the distillery breaking away from Komasa Jyozo.

As Kanosuke Distillery continues to grow, they remain dedicated to their core principles of quality, innovation, and community engagement. With a burgeoning portfolio of releases, including single malts, grain whiskies, and blends, they are poised to make waves in the global whisky landscape. Through strategic partnerships and a steadfast commitment to their craft, they aim to captivate enthusiasts worldwide while remaining deeply rooted in their local heritage.