Of 400 casks to be released by Gakkogawa Distillery, 36 are currently available exclusively through dekantã
If the names Tatenokawa Shuzo and Owujiman ring a bell, you have probably had some of the very best (and oldest) sake brands around. Known for some of the most sought-after Junmai Daiginjo expressions and a unique rice polishing process never believed to be possible, they come from a family of respected sake brewers who have redefined the boundaries of sake, pursuing purity, precision and elegance in every drop.
Soon, they will quench the palates of Japanese whisky lovers. Junpei Sato, a lifelong sake maker with a great passion for whisky, he founded Gakkogawa Distillery in 2021 as a way to expand the family business. Built around a group of young, eager-eyed whisky makers and continuous experimentation with new malts, yeasts and techniques, the distillery is on its way to creating something smooth, fruity and pure. The same expertise is carried over from the sake world, with state-of-the-art equipment and ultra-soft Chokaisan subsoil water (one of Japan’s purest) setting Gakkogawa on the road to success. In fact, it won silver at the 2024 World Whisky Awards for its new make.
Until the distillery’s inaugural release arrives in the summer of 2027, the whisky will be maturing in new and old bourbon barrels, as well as sherry, red wine, Mizunara and sake-seasoned Mizunara casks. There will be an annual output of 400 casks, with 36 of these available exclusively through dekantã this year. Every cask purchase comes with the opportunity to sample the liquid, visit the distillery and create your very own bottling of Gakkogawa single malt whisky.
Featured photo by Gakkogawa Distillery
