White Oak distillery

EIGASHIMA-SYUZO

White Oak Distillery is a Japanese whisky distillery located in Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It is owned by Eigashima Shuzo, which has a history dating back to 1679 when it was established as a sake brewery. The distillery is notable for being one of the oldest in Japan, with its license to distill whisky obtained in 1919, making it a pioneer in the Japanese whisky industry alongside other historic distilleries such as Yamazaki Distillery and Hakushu Distillery.

History

The Eigashima Shuzo company, originally focused on sake and shochu production, ventured into whisky production in the early 20th century. The White Oak Distillery was officially established in 1984, although the company had been licensed to produce whisky since 1919. This early start in whisky production, however, did not immediately lead to the establishment of a dedicated whisky distillery, as whisky was initially produced in limited quantities, primarily for local consumption.

In the 1980s, recognizing the growing interest in whisky worldwide and the potential for Japanese whisky, Eigashima Shuzo decided to invest in building a dedicated whisky distillery. This led to the construction of the White Oak Distillery, which was designed to produce whisky using traditional Scottish methods, including the use of pot stills and aging in oak barrels.

Production

White Oak Distillery is known for its small-scale, artisanal approach to whisky production. The distillery operates with a single pair of pot stills and has a relatively small production capacity compared to larger Japanese distilleries. This allows for a focus on quality and craftsmanship, with each batch of whisky receiving close attention from the distillery's master distiller.

The distillery sources its water from the nearby Rokko mountain range, which is known for its pure and soft water, ideal for whisky production. The use of American white oak barrels for aging gives the whisky its distinctive character, with a balance of sweetness, spice, and oak flavors.

Products

White Oak Distillery produces a range of Japanese whiskies, including single malt and blended varieties. Some of its most notable products include:

• Akashi Single Malt Whisky: Named after the city where the distillery is located, this single malt is aged in American oak barrels and is known for its smooth, well-balanced flavor profile.
• Akashi Blended Whisky: A blend of malt and grain whiskies, this product is designed to offer a more accessible entry point into the world of Japanese whisky, with a lighter body and a focus on harmony between the different components.

Visiting the Distillery

The White Oak Distillery offers tours to visitors, providing an opportunity to learn about the history of whisky production in Japan and the specific practices that define the distillery's approach. The tour includes a visit to the distillation area, aging warehouses, and a tasting session where guests can sample various whiskies produced at the distillery.

Significance in the Japanese Whisky Industry

White Oak Distillery holds a unique place in the history of Japanese whisky. As one of the first distilleries to be licensed for whisky production in Japan, it has contributed to the development and international recognition of Japanese whisky. Despite its small size, the distillery's commitment to quality and tradition has earned it a respected position among whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs.