The Kaikyō Distillery

Inspired by the great gin and whisky distilleries of the United Kingdom, the Kaikyō Distillery contributes to a vibrant and constantly evolving culture in the production of Japanese distilled beverages. The Akashi Brewery has been producing distilled beverages since 1917. At that time, one of its products was shochu, a traditional and refined drink with approximately 25% alcohol content, made from wheat, rice, and other ingredients.

One hundred years later, to honor the family heritage and celebrate the centenary of the family distilling company, Master Distiller and Blender Kimio Yonezawa created the Kaikyō Distillery to launch his own gin and whiskeys.

Guided by our Master Distiller and Blender
For over 30 years, Kimio Yonezawa has always enjoyed pushing his limits and creating new styles of spirits, driven by an insatiable curiosity. The result of this pursuit is a delicate fusion of influences, combining the unique climate of the region with the Yonezawa family's passion for detail.

Delivered through Tradition
With a deep appreciation for distillation, Kimio Yonezawa honors the art of gin and whisky production while keeping Western traditions in mind. The Kaikyō Distillery draws inspiration from Kimio Yonezawa's numerous international travels, where he gained knowledge from other Master Distillers and Blenders.

Perfect Location for Greatness
Named after the Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge, the Kaikyō Distillery stands along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea as an extension of the Akashi Sake Brewery. Cooled by the sea breezes of the strait, it benefits from a specific climate, with dry, mild winters and hot, humid summers, which offer excellent conditions for aging distilled beverages.

The Kaikyō Distillery now houses a rich and diverse winery with barrels made from various types of wood, including American oak, Japanese mizunara oak, and sakura cherry wood, previously used for various types of alcoholic beverages such as bourbon, sherry, and port wine – all contributing to the flourishing of the unique flavors of our drinks.

Establishing the Traditions of Tomorrow
From preserving the centuries-old culture of whisky production to breaking the mold in the gin category, the dedication to craftsmanship and tradition remains the same.

Whether we are following contemporary trends or going against them, we produce each small batch of distilled beverages with the same care and respect — always benefiting from the maritime notes of Akashi's coastal influences, the exceptional quality of our stills, and above all, the commitment of our dedicated team of artisans.