Yamazaki Distillery to Reopen With Grand Tours
On November 1, 2003, Suntory Spirits will reopen its Japanese whisky distillery to the public. The company will host two distillery tours to showcase the newly renovated facilities.
Earlier this year, the company disclosed its plan to invest over US$77 million in improving its Yamazaki Distillery. The renovations are planned as part of the company’s 100th anniversary. Suntory founded the distillery in 1923, becoming the first distillery in Japan.
The renovated facilities now boast new features including:
- A new entrance
- A mini ‘forest’
- The entrance gate has been made from reused copper from pot stills,
- A new reception area at the Whisky Museum.
- A new bar counter has been created with retired pot stills
In addition, several areas have remained with just refurbishing touches to improve the display. One such area is the Whiskey Museum which has always intrigued tourists to the distillery. This museum has been on the premises of Yamazaki Whisky since its inception. The interior has been re-designed to give visitors an idea of the quality of the company’s whisky.
Launching Tours for the Reopening and Anniversary
The first of two new tours, entitled the Yamazaki Distillery Monozukuri Tour and Tasting, will last 80 minutes. The tours are priced at US$20 each. The tour will guide visitors through the distillery renovations and historic zones.
Among the tastings on the tour are Yamazaki single malt whisky, rare components single malt whisky, and Yamazaki Highball. At the end of the tour, guests will take home a Yamazaki tasting glass.
The second tour option is the Yamazaki Distillery Monozukuri Prestige Experience which will go beyond the standard scenery. Visitors will be able to see private and offbound production areas. Tickets are available at US$67.
Notably, the tastings on this tour will include 12-year-old Yamazaki single malt whisky and rare component malt whiskies. Visitors will also receive their special glass.