Hannyu Distillery

Location is saitama

Overview of Hannyu

Hanyu Distillery, once a hidden gem in Japan, is revered for its rare and sought-after whiskies, particularly the famous “Card Series.” Established in Hanyu, Saitama Prefecture, the distillery was known for its traditional craftsmanship and complex single malts until it ceased operations in 2000

Hanyu Distillery is set to continue

After two decades, the distillery has been revived and is now fully operational, blending tradition with modern advancements. The new facility features lantern-shaped pot stills, adorned with indigo-colored rings, reflecting the area’s rich history in indigo dyeing. With production underway, Hanyu Distillery is set to continue its legacy and captivate whisky enthusiasts for generations to come.

History of Hannyu

Founded by Isouji Akuto

Hanyu Distillery was founded by Isouji Akuto, 1941 a 19th-generation descendant of a family with a long history in sake brewing. The distillery was initially established to produce both sake and whisky, utilizing the family’s extensive brewing expertise.

Hanyu Distillery began producing single malt whisky, adopting traditional Scottish methods such as pot still distillation and the use of wooden washbacks. This marked the distillery’s foray into the whisky world, aiming to craft distinctive and complex flavors.

Decline in demand for whisky in Japan

The distillery faced challenges due to a decline in demand for whisky in Japan. This period of struggle ultimately led to the cessation of operations in 2000. The distillery’s equipment was dismantled, and it appeared that the Hanyu Distillery’s story had come to an end.

The founder’s grandson, took action

Hanyu Distillery ceased operations. However, Ichiro Akuto, the founder’s grandson, took action to preserve the distillery’s legacy. He managed to secure the remaining stock of whisky casks, which would later become highly sought after.

The “Golden Horse” brand, originally associated with Hanyu Distillery, was revived by Toa Shuzo’s president, Yasuhisa Nakata. The company resumed importing whisky from overseas, allowing the brand to return to the market.

Significant investment neccesary

The Hanyu Distillery back and resume making whisky. But that would require significant investment. That’s when we took the discussion to Japan Import System, who had been helping us out with importing whisky.”

2000s –     Present gained legendary status 

Ichiro Akuto, leveraging the remaining casks from Hanyu Distillery, founded Chichibu Distillery. He released these precious casks under the “Ichiro’s Malt” brand, including the iconic “Card Series,” named after playing cards. This series has since gained legendary status among collectors and whisky connoisseurs worldwide, solidifying Hanyu’s legacy even after its closure.

Production process of Hannyu

One of the most captivating stories from Hanyu Distillery’s history revolves around the rescue of its remaining casks. After the distillery’s closure, Ichiro Akuto faced the daunting challenge of preserving his family’s whisky legacy. With great determination, he managed to acquire around 400 casks that were left behind, storing them in various locations to ensure their preservation.

“Ace of Spades” in the “Card Series

Among these casks was one that held the spirit that would eventually be bottled as the “Ace of Spades” in the “Card Series.” The “Ace of Spades” bottle became the crown jewel of the collection, symbolizing not only the quality of Hanyu’s whisky but also Ichiro’s unwavering commitment to keeping his family’s tradition alive. This whisky, like the other bottles in the series, has since become one of the most coveted and expensive Japanese whiskies, a testament to the passion and perseverance that define the legacy of Hanyu Distillery.

Copper pot stills
The production process at Hanyu Distillery is centered around traditional copper pot stills, where meticulous craftsmanship and expertise come together to create the renowned whisky that carries the distillery’s legacy forward.”

Copper Pot Stills:

Hanyu Distillery, known for its rich whisky heritage, uses traditional copper pot stills. These stills play a crucial role in defining the flavor profiles of their whiskies. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of stills typically used in the distillery

1. Wash stills:

• Function: Used for the first distillation, where the fermented wash (a beer-like mixture) is heated to separate the alcohol from the water and other impurities.

• Design: These are generally taller and slimmer, promoting the rise of lighter, more delicate vapors. This design helps in producing a cleaner spirit with subtle flavors.

2. Spirit Stills:

• Function: Used for the second distillation, further refining the alcohol to achieve the desired purity and concentration. The spirit still divides the distillate into heads, hearts, and tails, with only the hearts being used for maturation.

Copper  stills. Interaction:

     • Purification: Copper reacts with sulfur compounds, removing undesirable flavors and producing a smoother spirit.

• Flavor Development: The extent of copper contact influences the spirit’s final flavor, contributing to the characteristic notes found in Hanyu whiskies.

Modern Innovations

• New Pot Stills (2021): With the revival of Hanyu Distillery in 2021, new pot stills were introduced, incorporating both traditional techniques and modern innovations to enhance the quality and distinctiveness of their whiskies.

Casks. 

The wooden casks used at Hanyu Distillery

This image shows the wooden casks used at Hanyu Distillery to age and mature their whisky. The casks are stacked in a dimly lit, rustic warehouse, reflecting the traditional environment where whisky develops its rich flavors and aromas. The scene highlights the importance of these casks in creating the distinctive character of Hanyu’s whisky.

Aroma of Hannyu

• Fruity and Floral Notes: The aroma opens with a bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, particularly apples and pears, accompanied by delicate floral notes of cherry blossoms and a hint of citrus zest.

• Vanilla and Honey: 

As the aroma develops, warm notes of vanilla and honey emerge, bringing a smooth sweetness that balances the initial fruitiness.

• Spice and Oak: 

Subtle hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg add complexity, while the oak influence introduces a gentle woodiness, with whispers of sandalwood and cedar.

• Dried Fruits and Nuts: 

A rich undercurrent of dried fruits, such as raisins and apricots, combines with roasted almonds and a slight nuttiness, contributing to the depth of the aroma.

• Subtle Smoke: 

A very light, almost ethereal smoke lingers in the background, a nod to the traditional whisky-making techniques that define the distillery’s legacy.

Complex balance, reflecting its rich heritage and meticulous aom

The aroma of Hanyu whisky typically showcases a complex balance, reflecting its rich heritage and meticulous production process. While specific aroma profiles can vary across different expressions, Hanyu whiskies are often noted for their depth and variety, featuring notes ranging from fruity and floral to spicy and peaty, depending on the particular barrel aging and distillation methods used. For detailed descriptions of specific Hanyu whisky aromas, it would be best to consult tasting notes from whisky experts or the distillery’s product listings.

Awards of Hannyu

hannyu

Hanyu Distillery, founded in 1941 by Isouji Akuto, is best known for its unique and collectible Ichiro’s Malt Card Series, which consists of 54 different single cask whiskies, each named after a playing card. The distillery itself was closed in 2000, and much of its fame and recognition came posthumously through the efforts of Isouji Akuto’s grandson, Ichiro Akuto, who saved the remaining stocks and created the Card Series.

Awards and Recognition:

1. Ichiro’s Malt Card Series:

• The Card Series, produced from the last remaining casks of Hanyu Distillery, has received significant acclaim from whisky connoisseurs and collectors around the world.

• Several bottles from the Card Series have won awards and accolades at international whisky competitions and auctions, often fetching high prices.

2. Auction Records:

• The Card Series has set records at auctions, with some bottles selling for tens of thousands of dollars, highlighting the rarity and the esteemed quality of Hanyu’s whisky.

3. General Recognition:

• Although the distillery itself may not have won traditional awards during its operation, the posthumous recognition of its remaining stocks, particularly through the Ichiro’s Malt Card Series, has cemented its legacy in the world of whisky.

Ichiro’s Malt, which includes the Hanyu casks, has continued to win awards, including titles like “World’s Best Blended Malt” at the World Whiskies Awards.

Food Environment of Hannyu

• Smoked Salmon Canapés
Delicate smoked salmon on rye bread, topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of dill.
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter
Fresh asparagus spears lightly grilled and drizzled with lemon-infused butter.
• Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono)
A selection of traditional Japanese pickles, offering a refreshing and tangy contrast

Cocktail Mount Fuji Whisky Sour     day time 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Japanese Whisky (preferably a smooth, well-balanced whisky)
• 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Honey Syrup (1 part honey, 1 part hot water, mixed until smooth)
• 1/2 oz Egg White (optional for a frothy texture)
• Dash of Angostura Bitters
• Ice
• Lemon Peel Twist (for garnish)
• Edible Flower (optional, for garnish)

Cocktail Mount Fuji Whisky Sour night time environment