On the southeastern flank of Mt. Fuji, where clouds drift like ancient spirits and the air is crisply alpine, lies Fuji Gotemba Distillery—Japan’s gateway to the global whisky stage. Here, at 620 meters above sea level, climate meets craft, and Kirin’s deep knowledge of distillation transforms Fuji’s blessings into world-class blends and single grains.
🗻 The Mountain’s Gift: Place, Water, and Perspective
Founded in 1973 by Kirin, with Scottish partners and global ambition, Fuji Gotemba was conceived not just to imitate Scotch—but to redefine Japanese whisky on the world’s terms. The location was no accident: the base of Mt. Fuji, with its ample supply of pure, volcanic-filtered water, and a cool, high-altitude climate ideal for slow aging.
Rain and snowmelt travel through basalt-rich strata, emerging soft and mineral-balanced—perfect for distilling.
❄️ Altitude & Aging: Where Slowness Adds Soul
At over 600 meters elevation, temperatures remain low year-round. Summer is mild; winter, brisk. This leads to gentle, patient maturation, producing elegant spirits with controlled evaporation and refined ester development.
Barrels breathe with the seasons, not against them.
🔧 Multi-Style Distillation: A Rare Craft Arsenal
Fuji Gotemba is unique among Japanese distilleries: it houses multiple types of stills, allowing the creation of diverse whiskies under one roof.
- Scottish-style kettle stills for malt whisky
- Column stills and Doubler stills for American-style grain
- Multi-column continuous stills for light, clean grain spirit
This versatility enables Kirin to craft precisely balanced blends, suited for domestic subtlety or international boldness.
🛢 Blending as Art: A Global Whisky Mindset
While other Japanese distilleries may focus on single malts, Fuji Gotemba’s pride is its blending mastery. Under the guidance of Chief Blender Jota Tanaka—named Master Blender of the Year at the Icons of Whisky 2017—the distillery delivers layered complexity.
Whether in the Fuji Single Grain series or Signature Blend, expect harmonious marriage of sweetness, spice, fruit, and finish—crafted for a global palate, without losing its Japanese soul.
🧪 Philosophy: Fusion, Not Mimicry
Fuji Gotemba does not chase trends. It combines the precision of Japanese engineering, the soul of Scottish tradition, and the innovation of American bourbon-making into something new.
It is global whisky with Japanese terroir—a rare harmony of technique and terrain.
🥃 What You Taste in a Glass of Fuji
- Single Grain: silky, creamy texture with hints of pear, coconut, and white chocolate
- Blend: orchard fruit, toasted almond, soft spice, and lingering vanilla from slow oak aging
- A finish as cool and clear as Mt. Fuji’s morning air
This is versatility.
This is vision.
This is Fuji Gotemba Distillery.