History

• Karuizawa Distillers is the result of the vision and passion of Koji Shimaoka (CEO) and Ian Chang (Vice President and Master Blender).
• Under the motto "To produce the best Japanese single malt whisky" Koji Shimaoka founded Karuizawa Distillers in 2019.
• Comprehensive sources of growth and activities point to the establishment of Komoro Distillery as the first distillery, with expected start of distillation in spring 2023, located on the slope of Mount Asama in Komoro, surrounded by forest and landscape.
• The headquarters are located in Tokyo: Toranomon Global Square 5F 1-3-1, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. CEO: Koji Shimaoka; Vice President & Master Blender: Ian Chang.
• Ongoing focus on producing the best Japanese single malt whisky and bringing new life to Japanese whisky through ambitious artisanal efforts.
• The company also expresses clear statements about distribution and authenticity regarding cask sales and notes that Karuizawa Distillers Inc. and Komoro Distillery do not sell casks through intermediaries.
• There are plans for a visitor experience through a visitor center at the distillery and a commitment to the environment and local communities, including ambitions for sustainability and forest protection.

Production / Manufacturing

• According to the company, crystal-clear and clean water lies in the Mount Asama area, and the natural environment as well as the cool, humid climate provide the ideal conditions for producing world-class single malt whisky.
• The first distillery is being built in Komoro; distillation is expected to begin in spring 2023, with a focus on raising the quality of Japanese whisky and ensuring the best possible liquid.
• The company plans to have zero waste in production and to support forest protection and forestry education, including donating a percentage of sales to forest protection activities and awareness of forest protection.

Products / Whisky Series

• The text specifically mentions the goal of producing the best Japanese single malt whisky. There are no specific product names or series mentioned in the available content.

Visits / Experiences

• The company describes a visitor center and a distillery that are in harmony with nature and the surrounding landscape and will offer unique whisky experiences as well as create and strengthen connections to the local community.

Philosophy

• The highest priority is the quality of the liquid in production, and the goal is to produce the best Japanese single malt whisky.
• Their activities include sustainability initiatives, including achieving six of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and zero waste targets, as well as donations to forest protection and forestry education.