“I want to create a perfect whisky that reflects the nature of Japan and the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.”
- Shinjiro Torii @ Yamazaki, 1923
Uisge-beatha Na h-Alba// ウィスキー// Whisk(e)y
Assuming one begins their journey at Kyoto Station, the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is a 15–20 minute ride on the local JR train line and another 10 minute walk from Yamazaki Station along a picturesque path at the base of Mount Tennōzan. The distillery itself sits where the Katsura, Uji and Kizu Rivers meet, tucked within the mountainside; providing the whisky maker and drinker with a pure base for the spirit and an impeccable vantage point to witness the surrounding region.
The brick laden shrine to this new generation of whisky hides amidst endless trees between the Kyoto and Osaka prefectures, with mineral water so pristine it has attracted generations of craftsmen and entrepreneurs. Close to 100 years ago, Yamazaki beat out several competing regions as Shinjiro Torii’s chosen location for his revolutionary endeavor: craft the first domestic…
