Fugaku Distillery

Overview of Fugaku

Fugaku Distillery, established by SASAKAWA WHISKY Co., Ltd. in March 2021, is nestled near Fujisan in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture. 

Fugaku s hand made stills

Founded by Shohei Sasakawa

the distillery marks a return to the Sasakawa family’s roots in liquor making, leveraging Japan’s whisky craftsmanship and traditions. 

History of Fugaku

Founded by Shohei Sasakawa, Fugaku Distillery is located in the shadow of the majestic Mount Fuji, drawing inspiration from both its natural surroundings and centuries-old Japanese craftsmanship. 

Located mount Fuji

Shohei Sasakawa, a visionary with deep roots

in traditional distillation, sought to create a whisky that embodied the harmony between nature and innovation. Established in the early 21st century, the distillery quickly gained a reputation for its dedication to quality and sustainability, utilizing pure mountain water and locally sourced ingredients in every step of the process. 

Renowned for its small-batch releases

Fugaku Distillery became renowned for its small-batch releases, with each bottle reflecting the meticulous care and artistry that define Sasakawa’s vision.

Anecdote of Fugaku

Legend has it that Shohei Sasakawa’s inspiration for creating the Fugaku Distillery came from an unforgettable moment of serenity at the base of Mount Fuji. While hiking, he stumbled upon an ancient, moss-covered stone with the image of a dragon carved into it, an omen of good fortune in Japanese culture. 

This scene captures a powerful moment of inspiration,

 blending mysticism and serenity. Shohei Sasakawa is depicted as standing in awe of the glowing dragon carving, which represents an omen of good fortune and a connection to ancient traditions. The mystical light from the carving, combined with the calm, natural surroundings, creates a sense of discovery and revelation, as if this moment holds the key to his vision for Fugaku Distillery.

That night, Sasakawa dreamt of the dragon,

 guarding a hidden cask of whisky so pure and flavorful that it could only have been crafted by nature itself. Awakened by the vision, Sasakawa was inspired to build Fugaku Distillery, where every drop of whisky is said to carry the essence of that mystical dragon’s wisdom and power, leading to its nickname: “The Dragon’s Whisky.”

The image representing the deep connection  blending

between Shohei Sasakawa’s whisky craft and the legendary dragon, blending mysticism and mastery

Mount Fuji in the background adds a majesty and spiritual significance,

The presence of Mount Fuji in the background adds a layer of majesty and spiritual significance, grounding Sasakawa’s inspiration in nature and cultural heritage. The tranquility of the forest, with sunlight filtering through the trees, reinforces the theme of harmony between nature and artistry. This scene feels like a pivotal moment where Sasakawa’s vision for crafting whisky that embodies the balance between tradition and innovation is born.

Production process of Fugaku

1. Mount Fuji Water Source:

The use of pure, mineral-rich water from Mount Fuji is a key distinguishing feature. Many Japanese distilleries emphasize their local water sources, but the proximity to Mount Fuji gives Fugaku a unique advantage. The water is known for its softness and balanced mineral content, contributing a distinct smoothness to the whisky.

Clean river

2. Extended Fermentation in Wooden Washbacks:

Fugaku’s decision to use long fermentation times and wooden washbacks is notable. Wooden washbacks allow for natural yeast and bacteria to influence fermentation, creating more complex and layered flavors. The extended fermentation time allows for more esters and congeners to form, which adds to the whisky’s fruity and floral notes, giving it a richer character.

3. Use of Mizunara Oak Casks:

Mizunara oak is a rare and highly prized material for whisky maturation, unique to Japan. It imparts distinctive flavors like sandalwood, incense, and exotic spices, which are not commonly found in whiskies aged in more traditional oak varieties (like American or European oak). This gives the whisky a distinctly Japanese character and a layer of complexity that sets it apart from many global whiskies.

4. Cask Finishing Practices:

While cask finishing is a common practice in the whisky world, Fugaku Distillery’s use of local and imported casks for this process (such as sherry, port, or wine casks) adds another layer of uniqueness. The particular combination of casks, along with their approach to blending these flavors with the whisky’s core profile, can set their products apart, especially in limited-edition releases.

Hand-Hammered Copper Stills

The use of hand-hammered copper stills adds a more artisanal touch to the distillation process. While copper pot stills are widely used, the fact that Fugaku uses hand-hammered stills ensures that every aspect of the still is precisely crafted, allowing for more control over the distillation process. This level of craftsmanship can influence the spirit’s quality, providing a purer and more refined whisky.

 6 Fugaku uses hand-hammered stills ensures 

7 Custom-made pot stills, focusing on the potential of yeast

Fugaku Distillery is committed to artisanry, employing wooden washbacks and custom-made pot stills, focusing on the potential of yeast and lactobacilli for flavor development.

Fugaku Distillery uses a variety of casks 

for aging and finishing its whisky, each bringing unique flavors to the final product. They use local Japanese Mizunara oak, which adds exotic notes like sandalwood and spices. Additionally, they use imported casks like sherry, port, and wine casks, which introduce rich, fruity, and sweet flavors. The combination of these casks gives Fugaku’s whisky a distinct character, setting it apart and making their limited-edition releases especially unique.

The combination of these casks gives Fugaku’s whisky a distinct character, setting it apart and making their limited-edition releases especially unique.

The storage is a dannage type

and the barrel is carefully aged until it is satisfied with the taste, creating a single malt whiskey that is breded by the nature of Reiho Fuji.

Aroma of Fugaku

A hypothetical aroma profile for a whisky from the Fukagawa Distillery might include delicate floral notes, intertwined with the richness of aged wood and a hint of sea breeze, reflective of its geographical setting. Imagine hints of green apple or pear, a subtle smokiness, and a touch of vanilla sweetness, rounding out with a warm, spicy finish. This profile combines traditional whisky aromas with the uniqueness of Japanese craftsmanship, creating a layered and inviting sensory experience.

Food environment of Fugaku

The image captures a meal thoughtfully designed to complement the spirits of Fugaku Distillery, embodying the distillery’s connection to the iconic Mount Fuji. It features dishes that combine the purity and elegance of the mountain’s natural environment with innovative culinary creativity, set in a serene and sophisticated setting to enhance the whisky tasting experience.

Cocktail Name: “Dragon’s Embrace”

Ingredients:
• 50 ml Fugaku Distillery whisky (Mizunara-aged for added complexity)
• 20 ml Plum wine (Umeshu) for a touch of sweetness
• 10 ml Fresh yuzu juice for a citrus twist
• 1 tsp Honey syrup for smooth sweetness
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters for depth
• Garnish: Thin slice of ginger and a yuzu peel twist

Instructions:
1..   Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in Fugaku whisky, plum wine, fresh yuzu juice, honey syrup, and bitters.
3. Stir well until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or lowball glass.
5. Garnish with a thin slice of ginger and a yuzu peel twist for an aromatic finish.

Concept:

“Dragon’s Embrace” reflects the rich, layered complexity of Fugaku Distillery’s whisky, inspired by the dragon in their legend. The blend of Mizunara-aged whisky, plum wine, and yuzu creates a balance of richness, sweetness, and a refreshing citrus twist—offering something unique and distinct from the classic highball.

Japanese Women. Drink the Dragon s embrace cocktail 
A beautiful Japanese woman elegantly drinking the Dragon’s 
Embrace cocktail, set in a serene atmosphere with Mount Fuji in the background

Dragon cocktail drinking scene

The elegant European woman in a RED-colored evening gown, enjoying the Dragon’s Embrace cocktail.