Eigashima Shuzo Distillery (Akashi)

Eigashima Shuzo (known as White Oak Distillery in Japan) is one of Japan's oldest family-owned distilleries, boasting centuries of experience in crafting spirits. Located a stone's throw from Osaka Bay in the fishing village of Akashi, the distillery enjoys a warm coastal climate year-round, with the highest average temperatures and lowest annual rainfall of any Japanese distillery. The operation is now run by its ninth generation, who recently hired their seventh full-time employee.

"With honesty" is the company's motto, deeply rooted in Eigashima's centuries-old traditions and craftsmanship. This renowned micro-distillery's dedication embodies Japanese artistry, demonstrating unwavering commitment to quality in every drop of its exquisite products.

The Eigashima distillery, which began as a sake factory during the Edo period, has expanded its repertoire to include shochu, whisky, wine, umeshu (plum wine), and mirin. Eigashima obtained the country's first whisky license in 1919; however, official production didn't begin until small copper stills were installed in the early 1960s. Due to the company's small scale, Eigashima dedicates specific seasons to distilling its various spirits, as the different spirits are produced by the same team. Eigashima distills whisky during the cooler half of the year, from September to March. As the popularity of Japanese whisky has increased over the years, the team has accelerated production, extending their five-day workweek to six days and into the summer. In 2017, Eigashima's production remained small, at 48,000 liters per year, with its two warehouses holding approximately 1,000 barrels. A variety of ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry, brandy, and barley shochu casks were the primary casks for their main whiskeys; however, single-barrel tequila, cognac, Konara, and their own Eigashima wine casks were reserved for special, one-barrel finishes.