Shizuoka:
The Truest Japanese Whisky
In a world awakening to the nuanced artistry of Japanese whisky, Shizuoka Distillery emerges as a beacon of authenticity and innovation. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to its Japanese roots, Shizuoka offers a whisky experience that is both profoundly traditional and refreshingly unique. This is not just Japanese whisky; this is Shizuoka – a testament to the true spirit of Japanese craftsmanship, distilled entirely in Japan with distinctive production choices, creating whiskies that are unmistakably their own.
The Shizuoka Difference:
Authenticity Forged in Fire and Tradition
Shizuoka produces only genuine Japanese whisky — no imported spirit, no blending with foreign liquid. Every stage, from milling and mashing to maturation and bottling, happens on-site in the Shizuoka prefecture. The result: complete control over quality and authenticity.
A Tale of Two Stills
Pot Still W – A rare, direct wood-fired still fueled by local cedar and cypress, imparting a subtle smokiness and robust depth.
Pot Still K – A historic, steam-heated still salvaged from the legendary Karuizawa Distillery, producing spirits with refined elegance.
This dual approach allows Shizuoka to craft a wide range of flavor profiles with remarkable complexity.
The Taste of the Land
Shizuoka pioneers the use of 100% locally grown barley for select expressions, capturing the essence of its terroir. Additional malt varieties, including Scottish peated and unpeated barley, add breadth to their range. Fermentation takes place in traditional Shizuoka cedar washbacks, enhancing the spirit’s aromatic character.
Water from the Okushizu Highlands
All production uses soft, pure water from the Abe Nakagouchi River, which flows through the lush Okushizu region. This pristine water source is key to the clean, expressive nature of Shizuoka whisky.
Maturation with Character
A diverse cask program — from ex-bourbon to sherry — shapes each whisky’s depth and complexity, with a minimum of three years’ maturation in Japan’s varied climate.
Certified Authenticity
Shizuoka fully complies with the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) regulations for “Japanese Whisky,” ensuring:
All ingredients sourced from Japan
Full production and maturation within Japan
Minimum three-year aging in wooden casks
Bottling in Japan at a minimum 40% ABV
This guarantees every bottle is a true product of Japan’s whisky heritage.
Hallmarks of Shizuoka
100% Japanese, in-house production
Rare wood-fired still & historic Karuizawa still
Locally grown Shizuoka barley
Cedar washback fermentation
Pristine Abe Nakagouchi River water
Transparent, certified authenticity
In the Glass
Across expressions, expect:
Nose: Citrus, orchard fruit, malt sweetness, vanilla, cinnamon, with possible hints of honey, florals, or soft smoke.
Palate: Smooth, viscous texture with layers of caramel, fruit, spice, and malt richness — occasionally nutty or earthy with local barley, or subtly smoky when peated malt is used.
Finish: Medium to long, with lingering sweet, spicy, and oaky notes.
We invite you to explore individual bottling notes for specific expressions, as each tells its own unique Shizuoka story. The journey of discovery is part of the pleasure.
