Aska distillery Yamazakura whisky 

Overview of Aska

Yamazakura is a lesser-known Japanese whisky brand compared to giants like Suntory’s Yamazaki or Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo, but it has its place in the world of Japanese whiskies. Produced by Sasanokawa Shuzo Co., Ltd., which has a long history dating back to 1765,

Sasanokawa Shuzo

Yamazakura whisky is produced by Sasanokawa Shuzo, a company with a long history dating back to 1765. Initially focused on sake and shochu production, Sasanokawa Shuzo entered the whisky market in 1946 under the leadership of the 8th company head, Tetsuzo Yamaguchi. The name “Yamazakura” combines “yama” (mountain) and “sakura” (cherry blossom), symbolizing the natural beauty and tradition of Japan.

Hierarchy of Sasanokawa Shuzo

• Sasanokawa Shuzo has played a significant role in the Japanese whisky industry by supporting other brands and diversifying its own portfolio. The Yamazakura whiskies are a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and innovation in the spirit industry.

Sasanokawa Shuzo

History of Aska

Foundation and Early Years

• Sasanokawa Shuzo was established in 1765 in the Tohoku region of Japan, initially focused on producing sake and shochu. It is one of the oldest sake breweries in the region  .

Entry into Whisky Production:

• In 1946, under the leadership of the 8th company head, Tetsuzo Yamaguchi, Sasanokawa Shuzo ventured into whisky production. This marked the birth of their whisky brands, including Cherry Whisky and later Yamazakura  .

Birth of their whisky brands

Anecdote of Aska

Support for Ichiro’s Malt:

 Sasanokawa Shuzo played a crucial role in supporting Ichiro Akuto and the creation of Ichiro’s Malt. When the Hanyu Distillery, where Akuto worked, closed in 2000, he sought to preserve the remaining stock of whisky. In 2004, Sasanokawa Shuzo stepped in to store around 400 casks of Hanyu’s single malt, ensuring that these valuable whiskies were not lost. This support was pivotal for Akuto, enabling him to eventually establish the Chichibu Distillery in 2008 and continue producing his acclaimed Ichiro’s Malt whiskies.

 Ichiro s Malt whisky quickly gained recognition

Ichiro Akuto worked at Sasanokawa Shuzo as a technical leader and released the first Ichiro’s Malt from their facilities in 2005. This whisky quickly gained recognition, with the “King of Diamonds” expression winning a Gold Medal at the World Whisky Awards in 2006. The collaboration between Sasanokawa Shuzo and Ichiro Akuto significantly contributed to the resurgence and global acclaim of Japanese whisky.

Asaka Distillery:

• To celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2016, Sasanokawa Shuzo established the Asaka Distillery. Located in Fukushima, this distillery produces key malt for the Yamazakura whiskies. The Asaka Distillery has been equipped with new technology and facilities to enhance production quality  .

Sasanokawa Shuzo and Asaka Distillery:

Significance:

• Production: Asaka Distillery focuses on producing single malt whisky, which is then used in Yamazakura expressions. The distillery is equipped with new technology and facilities to ensure the production of premium quality whisky.

• Innovation: By establishing Asaka Distillery, Sasanokawa Shuzo has shown its dedication to maintaining a competitive edge in the whisky market, fostering innovation while preserving its rich heritage.

Yamazakura can offer reasonable value

Yamazakura can offer reasonable value for those looking to explore Japanese whisky without the high price tag associated with more famous labels. However, availability outside of Japan can be limited, and as with many Japanese whiskies, international demand can affect prices and accessibility.

Production process of Aska

The name “Yamazakura

The name “Yamazakura” combines “Yama” (山), meaning mountain, and “Sakura” (桜), meaning cherry blossoms, evoking images of Japan’s natural beauty. 

Asaka Distillery

The production process at Asaka Distillery, which produces Yamazakura whisky, involves several distinctive aspects that set it apart from typical whisky production methods:

1.Local Expertise and Equipment:

• The Asaka Distillery is furnished with equipment made by local manufacturers who are experienced in dealing with Tohoku’s harsh winters. This local expertise ensures the distillery can maintain year-round operations efficiently despite the extreme seasonal temperature variations .

 2. Distillery utilizes traditional copper pot stills

yamazakura  Distillery utilizes traditional copper pot stills, which are crucial for producing high-quality single malt whisky. These stills are made by local manufacturers who are familiar with the Tohoku region’s challenging climate. This expertise ensures that the distillery’s equipment can withstand the extreme seasonal variations and maintain efficient year-round operations.

Copper pot stills

Copper pot stills

Copper pot stills

Copper pot stills

2. Unique Cask Selection:

• One of the standout practices at Asaka Distillery is their use of a variety of casks to age their whisky. For instance, they have produced special editions such as the Asaka IPA Cask Finish, where the whisky is aged in barrels that previously held Imperial IPA beer. This gives the whisky a unique flavor profile characterized by a combination of fresh hop acidity, moderate bitterness, and a sweet undertone .

 The use of a variety of casks to age their whisky

• One of the standout practices at Asaka Distillery is the use of a variety of casks to age their whisky. For instance, they have produced special editions such as the Asaka IPA Cask Finish, where the whisky is aged in barrels that previously held Imperial IPA beer. This gives the whisky a unique flavor profile characterized by fresh hop acidity, moderate bitterness, and a sweet undertone.

3. Impact of Seasonal Variations:

• The Tohoku region, where the distillery is located, is known for its hot summers and cold winters. These drastic temperature changes cause the whisky to expand and contract within the casks more frequently, leading to a greater interaction between the spirit and the wood. This process accelerates the maturation and imparts more complex flavors to the whisky  .

4. Blending and Finishing Techniques:

• Yamazakura whiskies often undergo unique finishing processes. For example, the Yamazakura Asaka The First Single Malt, which is a limited edition release, combines peated and non-peated malts aged in various casks including bourbon barrels. This approach creates a balanced and nuanced flavor profile that highlights the distillery’s innovative blending techniques .

Aroma of Aska

• The Yamazakura brand combines “yama” (mountain) and “sakura” (cherry blossom), symbolizing the natural beauty of Japan. Yamazakura whiskies are known for their balanced and complex profiles, often aged in bourbon barrels to impart a smooth, gentle flavor with notes of honey, citrus, and spices  .

The Yamazakura brand  to achieve a smooth, gentle flavor

•The Yamazakura brand includes various expressions such as blended whisky, single malt, and limited editions. The whiskies are known for their balance and complexity, often aged in bourbon barrels to achieve a smooth, gentle flavor with notes of honey, citrus, and spices.

Flavor  of vanilla, fruit, and gentle spice, with a clean finish. 

Yamazakura whiskies often present a profile that is approachable and not overly complex, making them suitable for both whisky beginners and those looking for an easy-drinking experience. They can exhibit notes of vanilla, fruit, and gentle spice, with a clean finish. These characteristics make Yamazakura a good option for whisky cocktails or a light sipper.

Taisting  of yamazakura

While Yamazakura may not compete with the depth and complexity of premium single malts from Japan’s most celebrated distilleries, it represents an accessible entry point into the diverse world of Japanese whisky. For enthusiasts looking to expand their understanding beyond the most popular brands, Yamazakura offers a taste of Japan’s whisky craftsmanship and blending skills.