Kiuchi Brewery: Blending Sake and Beer Brewing Techniques to Craft a Distinctively Japanese Whisky

Kiuchi Brewery's Journey of Tradition and Innovation

Kiuchi Brewery, established in 1823 by Gihei Kiuchi in Hitachino, Japan, has long pursued quality brewing with deep respect for Japanese traditions. Originally focused on sake, Kiuchi expanded to craft beer with Hitachino Nest Beer in 1996, emphasizing unique, locally inspired brews. They revived the Japanese barley variety “Kaneko Golden” and incorporated the domestic hop “Sorachi Ace,” leading to the development of "Nipponia," a purely Japanese ale. This dedication to authentic, regionally crafted drinks laid the foundation for their next venture: whisky.

Innovative Distilling Techniques

In 2016, Kiuchi Brewery began exploring whisky-making using high-starch barley, unsuitable for beer but ideal for a distinct Japanese whisky. Without relying on foreign distillery designs, Kiuchi’s engineers crafted a custom system that blends elements from sake and beer production, allowing them to develop a whisky that reflects the brewery's unique character. With an ongoing commitment to local ingredients, including domestic grains and house-cultivated yeast, Kiuchi Brewery aims to create a new standard in Japanese whisky—innovating continuously to expand the potential of Japan’s distilling heritage.

The Launch of Hinomaru Whisky: A New Era for Kiuchi

"Hinomaru Whisky The 1st Edition" is a special whisky that marks the beginning of Kiuchi Brewery's bottled whisky lineup, following the start of their whisky distillation in 2016. This first edition incorporates malt, wheat, and rice sourced in part from Ibaraki Prefecture, blending base spirits from their two domestic distilleries: the column stills at Nukata Distillery (Naka City, Ibaraki) and the pot stills at Yasato Distillery (Ishioka City, Ibaraki). Aged amidst the rich natural surroundings at the foot of Mount Tsukuba, this bottle captures the very first drop of Hinomaru Whisky’s journey, delivering a truly unique experience.

Don’t Miss Out: Hinomaru Whisky on Sale Now at 30% Off!

For a limited time, whisky enthusiasts and fans of Kiuchi Brewery can purchase "Hinomaru Whisky The 1st Edition" at 30% off. This is a rare opportunity to experience Kiuchi’s first-ever bottled whisky at a special price. Don’t miss your chance to taste this exceptional Japanese whisky!