Koriyama | Craft Whisky Experience: Tour a Japanese Distillery, Blend Your Own Whisky & Bottle It by Hand
Itinerary Details
The Craft Behind Japanese Whisky
Founded by the long-established Sasanokawa Shuzo, Yasui Distillery draws on Koriyama’s natural environment, including its clean water and distinct seasonal climate. During the guided tour, see the copper pot stills up close and learn how each stage of production—from fermentation to distillation—helps shape the character of the spirit. You’ll also explore the aging cellar and discover how oak barrels and the local climate influence the whisky as it matures.
Create Your Own Whisky Blend
The highlight of the experience is creating your own original blend. Taste five different base spirits and use an aroma wheel to identify the flavors and aromas you enjoy most. Adjust the proportions of each spirit until you find your ideal balance of fruit, spice, wood, and sweetness. Once your recipe is complete, hand-fill your whisky into a bottle, add your own label, and seal it to create a truly personal keepsake.
Itinerary
Distillery Tour & Whisky-Making Process
Registration & Production Tour
Meet at Sasanokawa Shuzo and begin your guided tour of the production facilities. Learn about the whisky-making process from fermentation and distillation to maturation, while observing the copper pot stills and production equipment up close.
Aging Cellar & The Influence of Oak
Step into the aging cellar and discover how whisky develops its character over time. Learn how different types of oak barrels influence aroma, color, and flavor, and how Koriyama’s changing seasons contribute to the maturation process.
Create Your Own Blend & Hand-Bottle Your Whisky
Your Personalized Whisky Recipe
Enter the blending room and begin your tasting session. With guidance from an instructor, sample five base spirits and use the aroma wheel to explore their individual characteristics. Fine-tune the proportions until you create a blend that matches your personal taste.
Hand-Bottling & Distillery Shop
Fill your finished blend into a bottle by hand, then add your own label and seal it. Take home your personalized whisky as a unique memento of your time in Koriyama. Before leaving, browse the distillery shop for limited-edition whiskies and other locally crafted spirits.
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
Important
Information &
Cancellation Policy
Important Notes
- Participants must be 20 years of age or older and must present valid identification for age verification.
- Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. Please arrange alternative transportation if you will be consuming alcohol.
- To avoid interfering with the aroma-based tasting experience, please refrain from wearing strong perfume or fragrances on the day of the tour.
- Photography may be restricted in certain production areas. Please follow the instructions of the staff.
- The tour is conducted primarily in Japanese, with basic English assistance available.
Cancellation Policy
- A 5% system cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made for personal reasons after booking.
- 7 days before departure: 30%
- 3 days before departure: 50%
- 1 day before departure and on the day of departure: 100%
