Kirin Gotenba Distillery

Overview of Kirin gotenba

The Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery, established in partnership with Seagram Company Ltd, began operations in 1972 in Shizuoka Prefecture, close to Mount Fuji. This location was chosen for its ideal climate and access to fresh water from Mount Fuji, crucial for aging whiskey. The distillery is unique for its capability to produce different styles of grain spirit, thanks to the diverse distillation equipment inherited from the expertise of Seagram, including Scottish pot stills, Canadian-style Kettle stills, and American-style Doubler stills. This versatility and cutting-edge approach have contributed to Fuji Gotemba’s reputation in the whisky industry 

Kirin gotenba distillery 

The Gotemba Distillery is located at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan, one of the most iconic and revered locations in the country. Its elevation and climate are believed to be ideal for whisky aging, offering a unique environment that influences the character of the whisky produced there. 

The average temperate is 12°C, but the foggy environment provides 85% high humidity. 
The choice of Gotemba as the location was strategic, considering the city’s cool climate and the quality of its water, essential factors in whisky production. Over the years, the distillery has grown to become one of the largest and most technologically advanced in Japan, focusing on sustainability and innovation.

History of Kirin gotenba

Foundation and Early Years:
• Founded: 1973
• Founder: Kirin Brewery Company
• Location: Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, near the base of Mount Fuji

Kirin Gotemba Distillery was established in 1973 by the Kirin Brewery Company as part of its expansion into the whisky industry. The location at Gotemba was chosen for its pristine water sources, cool climate, and the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji, which provides an ideal environment for whisky maturation.

Development and Innovation:

• Initial Production: The distillery began producing whisky shortly after its establishment, focusing on creating high-quality spirits that adhered to both traditional Scottish methods and innovative Japanese techniques.
• Expansion: Over the years, Kirin Gotemba expanded its production facilities and invested in state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the quality and variety of its whisky offerings.

Signature Whiskies:

• Fuji-Sanroku: One of the flagship products from Kirin Gotemba, Fuji-Sanroku whisky, showcases the distillery’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. It is known for its rich, complex flavors and smooth finish.• Blended Whiskies: The distillery also produces a range of blended whiskies that combine the best elements of its grain and malt whiskies, creating well-balanced and harmonious spirits.

Environmental Commitment:

Kirin Gotemba Distillery is not only known for its exceptional whisky but also for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The distillery employs eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing water conservation measures, to minimize its impact on the surrounding natural environment.

Anecdotes of Kirin gotenba

The acclaimed Master Blender Jota Tanaka (Source: Andre de Almeida, Inside the Cask)

Jota Tanaka’s career is an unusual mixture of Japanese, Californian and Kentuckian influences. Born in Kyoto, his career began with Californian wines as Kirin sent Tanaka to the States in 1989 to work as a winemaker at Napa Valley’s Raymond Vineyard, before returning to Japan to work in wines. 

Master blender tanaka story

A wave of optimism returned in the late 2000s, when the international recognition and awards won by Japanese whiskey rekindled interest in the spirit. Around this time, a talented whiskey blender came back from Stint, Kentucky, and started switching things at Fuji Distillery.

Highly acclaimed master blender Jota Tanaka
(Source: Andre de Almeida, in a barrel)
Jota Tanaka’s career is a rare mixture of influences from Japan, California and Kentucky. Born in Kyoto, his career was when Kirin sent Tanaka to the United States to work as a winemaker at Raymond Vineyard in Napa Valley in 1989, 

This is story of kirin gotenba ditsillry brender tanaka.  
then returned to Japan to work in wine, California wine It started from When Kirin bought Four Roses Bourbon
in 2002,  create image please  point is tanaka and four roses rose is red color please create image 

Tanaka was again sent to the Four Roses distillery in Kentucky.
At Forrose, Tanaka was apprenticed to the legendary American Master Distiller and Blender Jim Rutledge – it is believed that the Forrose brand was completely transformed into a famous bourbon.

After Tanaka made bourbon in Bluegrass for 7 years,
he revisited Japan in 2009 with a new mission. It is to bring Fuji whiskey to an international audience. 

Tanaka was appointed chief blender by Kirin in 2010
and supported the development of Kirin’s whiskey line. The tradition of Scotch whiskey was still continued by all other Japanese whiskey makers, but Tanaka helped to perfect the unique spirit of Fuji Gotemba with a unique taste not found anywhere else in Japan.

Unlike blended whiskeys (such as Johnny Walker and Seabass), Fuji’s single blended whiskey is made with a sense of place and a high level of control from a master blender.For more information on the unique production of Fuji Whiskey, please see the master class experience with Master Blender Jota Tanaka.

Tanaka himself pointed out that other Japanese whiskeys are similar in scotch
and production methods and flavors (especially considering the story of how Yamazaki and Hika started). 

Production Process of Kirin gotenba

This place also allows access to fresh filtered water derived from Mt. Fuji itself. The melted snow from the mountains passes through the porous volcanic bedrock and flows into the well of the distillery. It is estimated that this process will take about 50 years.

1. Malting

• Overview: The process of converting barley into malt, which involves soaking, germinating, and drying the barley.
• Steps:
• Soaking: Barley grains are soaked in water for 2-3 days to increase moisture content.
Germination: The soaked barley is spread out on malting floors where it germinates over 4-5 days, producing enzymes that convert starches into fermentable sugars.
• Drying/Kilning: The germinated barley is dried in a kiln to halt germination, producing malt. The temperature and duration of kilning affect the malt’s flavor profile.

2. Mashing

• Overview: The process of extracting fermentable sugars from the malted barley.
• Steps:
• Grinding: The malted barley is ground into coarse flour called grist.
• Mixing: The grist is mixed with hot water in a large vessel called a mash tun.
• Conversion: The heat activates the enzymes in the malt, converting starches into sugars, producing a sugary liquid called wort.
• Separation: The wort is separated from the spent grains and collected for fermentation.

3. Fermentation

• Overview: The process where yeast converts sugars in the wort into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
• Steps:
• Cooling: The wort is cooled to a temperature suitable for fermentation.
• Yeast Addition: Yeast is added to the cooled wort in fermentation vessels, usually made of stainless steel or wood.
• Fermentation: The yeast ferments the sugars in the wort over several days, producing a liquid called wash with low alcohol content (approximately 6-8%).
The Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery, located near the base of Mount Fuji, is unique in several ways

. Established in 1972 as part of a joint venture between Kirin Brewery Company, Seagram, and Chivas Brothers, the distillery benefits from its proximity to Mount Fuji, using pristine water filtered through the mountain’s volcanic rock. This setting not only provides an ideal climate for whisky maturation but also grants access to exceptionally pure water, a critical component in whisky production   

Kirin gotenba Stills

The production process at Gotemba Distillery is notable for several reasons. First, it utilizes a variety of still types, including pot and continuous stills, allowing for a wide range of whisky styles. 

Gotenba distillery Stills real picture

Gotenba distillery Stills

Gotenba distillery Stills

Cask of Kirin gotenba

The distillery also has a unique climate control system that simulates different aging environments, enabling the creation of complex flavor profiles. 

An interesting anecdote about the distillery involves its production capabilities. Unlike many distilleries that specialize in a particular type of whisky, Fuji Gotemba produces multiple styles using a combination of pot stills for malt whisky, multi-column stills for light grain whisky, Canadian-style kettle stills for medium grain whisky, and American-style double stills for heavy grain whisky. This versatility allows the distillery to craft a wide range of whisky expressions, reflecting influences from Scottish, American, and Canadian traditions  

 Kirin gotenba distillery barrel

Kirin gotenba distillery barrel

Innovation in Aging: The distillery experiments with various cask types, including wine, sherry, and bourbon barrels, to develop unique flavor profiles. This innovative approach to aging has resulted in several award-winning whiskies.

With the promise of a Japanese whisky boom in mind, investment was generously poured in to make Fuji Gotemba Distillery one of the most cutting-edge and versatile Japanese distilleries ever built. While other Japanese distilleries puritanically followed Scottish tradition and Scotch whisky equipment (copper pot stills or Aeneas Coffey continuous stills), Fuji took a slightly different direction due to the influence and expertise from Canadians and Americans at Seagram.

With such a complex operation, Fuji manages its production out of a control panel with a dozen knobs and LED lights that might remind one of the lab of a mad scientist. This might look dated to modern eyes. However, in the 1970s, all of this was considered incredibly cutting edge, says the distillery’s Master Blender Jota Tanaka.

Aroma  of Kirin gotenba

The distillery’s blender produced a clean and estery unique style, a smooth and friendly spirit with layers of fruit and flower notes, and many of the toast notes from former bourbon barrels sourced from Forrose Distillery. I’m working hard. Master Blender Tanaka describes Fuji’s single blend as a more delicate, elegant and fruity version of bourbon.

In the Mash Tun’s Hold, Begin the Tale:
A scent of raw barley, under rain’s gentle veil,
Meets water’s caress, a sweet, starchy bale.
A prelude so earthy, with a promise to regale.

To capture the essence of whisky aromas directly, bypassing the production process details:

1. Initial Pour: The moment the bottle is opened, a burst of rich, golden aromas escapes: oak and vanilla, intertwined with a subtle hint of fruitiness—apples or pears, softened by a whisper of floral notes.

2. In the Glass: As the whisky settles in the glass, its complexity unfolds. Warm, inviting scents of caramel and spice rise, mingling with deeper, earthier undertones of peat and leather, evoking a sense of comfort and sophistication.

3. First Sip: The taste mirrors the aroma’s complexity. A smooth, sweet entry transitions to a spicy mid-palate, where flavors of vanilla and oak are layered with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. The warmth of the alcohol carries these flavors, enhancing their intensity.

4. Finish: The finish lingers, a lasting memory of the whisky’s journey. Notes of smoke and wood, a final echo of the distillate’s time spent in charred oak barrels, leave a satisfying, complex aftertaste that invites contemplation and, eventually, another sip.

The distillery’s blender produced a clean and estery unique style, a smooth and friendly spirit with layers of fruit and flower notes, and many of the toast notes from former bourbon barrels sourced from Forrose Distillery. I’m working hard. Master Blender Tanaka describes Fuji’s single blend as a more delicate, elegant and fruity version of bourbon.

Awards of Kirin gotenba

Kirin’s Gotemba Distillery continues to gain international recognition for its quality and innovation. 

The Fuji Gotemba Distillery has received several prestigious awards, reflecting its excellence in whisky production. Here are a few notable achievements:

1. World Whiskies Awards (WWA): The distillery has been recognized multiple times at the World Whiskies Awards, which celebrates the best whiskies worldwide. This includes awards for various expressions such as single malts and blended whiskies.

2. International Spirits Challenge (ISC): Fuji Gotemba has also been awarded at the International Spirits Challenge, which is one of the most respected and influential competitions in the spirits industry. This award highlights the distillery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

3. Japan Whisky Research Centre Awards: This local recognition further solidifies the distillery’s reputation within Japan, showcasing its ability to produce world-class whiskies using both traditional and innovative methods.

It has received numerous awards at global spirits competitions, highlighting the excellence of its products. 

1. World Whiskies Awards:
– Kirin Fuji-Sanroku 50° received the “World’s Best Blended Limited Release” award in 2019.

2. International Spirits Challenge:
– Kirin Fuji-Sanroku 50° won the Gold Medal in the Blended Limited Release category in 2019.

The Fuji Gotemba Distillery has received several prestigious awards, reflecting its excellence in whisky production. Here are a few notable achievements:

Food Enviroment of Kirin gotenba

• Visitor Experience: The distillery offers tours and tastings, providing insights into its production process and the opportunity to sample rare whiskies. The visitor center is designed to educate guests about the art and science of whisky making.

The meal designed to pair with the spirits of Gotemba Distillery

 capturing the essence of a dining experience that reflects the distillery’s unique setting and commitment to quality. The fusion of traditional Japanese elements with modern culinary techniques against the backdrop of Mount Fuji creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.

The scene captures the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Chinese restaurant, 

reflecting the rich cultural heritage and culinary artistry of China. With intricate decor, bustling activity, and a warm, convivial atmosphere, it invites diners to immerse themselves in the authentic dining experience that celebrates Chinese culinary traditions.

The meal, designed to pair with Kirin Single Grain Whisky 

and incorporating Italian cuisine elements, set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji and a serene river, has been created. This scene uniquely fuses Italian culinary flair with the smoothness of Kirin’s whisky, offering a dining experience that creatively bridges two distinct culinary worlds against a majestic and peaceful setting.

Mount Fuji Serenity Cocktail 

an image of a sophisticated cocktail, complete with a unique and appealing name that reflects its elegance and flavor profile. If there’s anything more you’d like to explore or another request you have, feel free to let me know!

sophisticated cocktail inspired by the elegance and flavor profile suggested in the visualization, let’s create a recipe called “Mount Fuji Serenity.” This cocktail blends the smoothness of Japanese whisky with the delicate flavors of the region, offering a refreshing and aromatic experience.

Mount Fuji Serenity Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients
• 2 oz Kirin Single Grain Whisky Fuji
• 1/2 oz Yuzu juice (or substitute with lemon juice if unavailable)
• 1/2 oz Sakura syrup (cherry blossom syrup, available at specialty stores)
• 2 oz Sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: A cherry blossom (if in season) or a lemon twist

Instructions:

1. Chill a cocktail glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes.
2. In a mixing glass, combine Kirin Single Grain Whisky Fuji, yuzu juice, and sakura syrup. Add ice cubes
3. Stir well for about 30 seconds, ensuring the mixture is well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
5. Top up with sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.
6. Garnish with a cherry blossom or a lemon twist to accentuate the drink’s aromatic profile.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy the serene flavors of Mount Fuji.
This cocktail aims to capture the serene beauty and purity associated with Mount Fuji, using ingredients that reflect Japanese culture and the distinct character of Kirin Single Grain Whisky Fuji.

Mount Fuji Serenity location

An image of the sophisticated cocktail ‘Mount Fuji Serenity’ being enjoyed outdoors at night, designed to evoke a sense of tranquility and luxury. If there’s anything else you’d like to create or explore, just let me know!

An legant woman wearing a beautiful dress, gracefully smiling 

while enjoying a glass of Kirin Gotemba whisky. The scene radiates sophistication and warmth, capturing her poise and charm as she enjoys the whisky.