Suntory Hakushu Distillery Reopens

Suntory Hakushu Distillery Reopens, Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Enhancing Quality, and Promoting Distillery Attraction

Suntory Corporation has renovated the Suntory Hakushu Distillery (Factory Manager: Tetsuya Arida, Located in Torihara, Hakushu-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture) and will open it to the public from October 2nd (Monday).

In 2023, Suntory will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founder, Shinjiro Torii, starting whisky production in Yamazaki. Since beginning its whisky-making journey in 1923, the company has been continuously committed to "creating and advancing whisky culture" and "excellent quality," tirelessly striving to convey the allure of whisky while continuously improving its quality.

At the Yamazaki and Hakushu Distilleries, renovations and other measures are being implemented through 2024 with the primary aim of further improving quality and enhancing the attraction of the distillery. (Refer to https://www.suntory.co.jp/news/article/14314.html for more details.)

In this renovation, the Suntory Hakushu Distillery aims to create a facility where visitors can experience even more deeply the delicate art of Japanese whisky-making, nurtured by Japan's natural environment and climate, as well as the allure of the distillery as a place of craftsmanship.

Facility Renovations

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center serves as the shared gateway to both the Hakushu Distillery and the Suntory Natural Water Southern Alps Hakushu Plant, enveloping visitors in the charm of the 'Hakushu Forest,' which is an integral part of the entire site. Throughout the design and construction materials, elements essential to the natural environment of Hakushu, such as granite, forests, and water, have been incorporated. The center features facilities for on-site tours and tour registration, along with a new diorama to help visitors visually grasp the entire site. Additionally, there is a 'Visitor Center Gift Shop' where visitors can purchase original merchandise from both distilleries.

Bird Sanctuary

Since its completion in 1973, the Hakushu Distillery has been dedicated to preserving the rich natural environment and pure water by establishing a bird sanctuary within the premises. In the spirit of wanting visitors to feel even closer to Hakushu's natural surroundings, this time, we have added new exhibits about our efforts in the "Bird Sanctuary" and information about the birds inhabiting the forest. Additionally, we have installed devices such as microphones to capture the sounds of the birds, allowing visitors to listen to their songs.

Central House

In the "Tasting Lounge" at the Central House, we have created a space where you can relax while enjoying the enchanting beauty of the 'Hakushu Forest' through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Here, you can indulge in tastings of not only the "Hakushu" brand but also rare whiskies, paired with food, including "Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu." Additionally, the adjoining "Central House Gift Shop" offers a selection of unique merchandise exclusive to the Hakushu Distillery, providing a glimpse into the rich lifestyle associated with "Hakushu.

Hakushu Distillery Tour Refresh - Please note that participants must be over 20 years old.

Hakushu Distillery Craftsmanship Tour

・Duration: 90 minutes
・Participation Fee: 3,000 yen (including tax)
・Key Highlights:

This tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the craftsmanship behind the creation of "Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu" and to experience the scents and temperatures that can only be felt at this location through your five senses. During the tasting session, we provide "Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu," rare "Malt Whisky New Make," and the "Hakushu Forest-Scented Highball." After the tour, you will also receive a complimentary "Hakushu Original Tasting Glass" to take home as a souvenir.

Hakushu Distillery Craftsmanship Tour - Premium

・Duration: 130 minutes
・Participation Fee: 5,000 yen (including tax)
・Key Highlights:

This tour offers an opportunity to witness the craftsmanship behind the creation of the "Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu" brand and to experience the scents and temperatures that can only be felt at this location through your five senses. Through the "Premium" tour, you will have access to exclusive areas within the production facility and special tastings within the storage areas that are not available on other tours. We will provide tastings of "Hakushu 12-Year-Old" and rare "Malt Whisky New Make," among others. After the tour, you will receive both a "Hakushu Original Tasting Glass" and a "Glass Holder" as souvenirs.

"Suntory Hakushu Distillery" Website

https://www.suntory.co.jp/factory/hakushu/