Featured Shizuoka Distillery’s First Blended Whiskey | Forbes JAPAN

Currently, there are more than 50 whiskey distilleries in Japan, of which 30 were established after 2016, accounting for more than half. It can be said that this clearly reflects the rise in popularity of domestic whiskey that began around this time.

In 2014, the TV drama “Massan”, which depicts the dawn of whiskey in Japan, was aired, and in 2013, Japanese food was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. If a whiskey distilling business were planned and started construction during this period when Japan’s food culture was attracting attention from both inside and outside Japan, it would be self-evident that it would start operation around this time.

However, among many small and medium-sized distilleries that started operating around 20 years ago, the Shizuoka Distillery was the first to start operations in 2016. One of the most popular whiskey distilleries.

In 2012, the owner visited a small distillery on Islay and thought, “I might be able to make whiskey with this, too.” Four years later, he set up a distillery in the mountains of Shizuoka. Released his first single malt in 2020. In 2010, the release of “Single Malt Japanese Whiskey Shizuoka Pot Still K Pure Japanese Barley First Edition” made with 100% domestically produced barley was also popular, and it soon ran out of stock.

Therefore, “Gaia Flow Whiskey Blended M” was released in February of this year, wanting a whiskey that can be drunk more casually as a standard. It took five years to obtain enough unblended whiskeys, based on the idea of ​​“using unblended whiskeys produced overseas, yet with a unique Shizuoka blend.” Shizuoka malt whiskey aged for more than 3 years is harmonized with British malt whiskey and grain whiskey to achieve a precise blend.

Commenting on this whiskey, “It feels like you can drink it with soda while relaxing. It’s well-balanced, so it goes well with any kind of food. You can’t drink whiskey with a high degree of brew,” laughs Tomohiro Onuki, the owner of “The Royal Scotsman” (Kagurazaka, Tokyo).

“Currently, the price of domestic whiskey continues to soar, but this ‘Blended M’ has a good impression for its affordable price. Unlike premium whiskey, which is subject to investment and speculation, it is a fun whiskey to drink.”

A fragrant mutton dish is washed down with a highball mixed with cold soda. It is a blissful moment when you can’t help but say “Puhaa”.

Tonight’s drink is here

The Royal Scotsman

Onuki is also known as a bagpipe player.

Little Scotland in Kagurazaka

A space with an exotic atmosphere, as if the pubs on the street corners of England and Scotland were brought to Kagurazaka. Craft beers from Japan and abroad, a collection of more than 100 types of whiskey, and pub food such as “Fish & Chips” by Tomohiro Onuki, who was active as a French chef, gather day and night. Occasionally, bagpipe music starts playing, and even though I’m in Tokyo, I feel like I’m on a trip.

Traditional British pub dish “Haggis (L)” 1,580 yen, topped with whiskey.

The Royal Scotsman
Address: 3-6-28 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6280-8852
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 17:00-23:00, Sat 15:00-23:00, Sun 15:00-22:00
Regular holiday/Monday