Cask owners are immediately inducted into the Ontake Distillery Owners Club, where perks include exclusive access to the golf course and onsen
High above sea level in the majestic mountains of Kagoshima in southwest Kyushu, is the Ontake Distillery, an award-winning whisky maker that doesn’t just sit pretty. Established in 2019 by Nishi Shuzo, a producer with over 175 years of expertise, the distillery is known for its pioneering use of rare ex-solera casks for maturation. It has already released two single malts, with the Ontake First Edition earning itself widespread acclaim and a Gold Prize at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2024.
The Ontake Distillery is also the ultimate destination for the aspiring cask owner who loves a round of golf and the therapeutic waters of a steamy onsen. As the first distillery in the world that’s home to an on-site 18-hole golf course, it offers exclusive perks to its cask owners, ranging from access to its award-winning expressions to dedicated hospitality at a custom-built hotel and the opportunity to play on the golf course that’s reserved solely for them. Lush fairways, undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers ensure a dynamic game, while a thoughtful course layout has been integrated with the distillery’s landscape, offering sweeping views of the mountains as you aim for that hole in one.
Soon enough, cask owners will also have access to a natural onsen, a recently discovered treasure found beneath its grounds. Heated by underground volcanic activity, the mineral-rich waters foster overall well-being by promoting blood circulation, alleviating muscle tension and easing respiratory issues—a revitalising ritual that complements the slow-building craft of whisky maturation.
The onsen facility will be made exclusive to cask owners and their guests once its hotel welcomes its first guests in 2026. One can also look forward to omakase at the distillery’s restaurant and the region’s offerings, such as the natural wonders of the Sakurajima volcano, Sengan-en Garden and Kagoshima City.
Register your interest here.
