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Niseko Distillery Plans a Ten-Year Japanese Whisky for 2031
Richesse Digital published a feature by Ayano Ishihara on September 8, 2026, examining how Niseko Distillery is building a Japanese whisky around the climate, water and craft culture of Hokkaido.
A Distillery Shaped by Niseko
Opened in October 2021, the distillery is operated by Hakkaisan Brewery Group. The article highlights Niseko’s abundant snowmelt and soft, low-hardness spring water as foundations for a refined, delicate and balanced whisky.
Ten Years Before the First Release
Production combines wooden washbacks with two differently shaped pot stills. Spirit is maturing in an unconditioned warehouse in casks including American oak, Mizunara, sherry and wine. Although some stock has already reached the minimum age for Japanese whisky, the first release is planned for around 2031 after ten years, subject to the whisky’s development.
A Local Gin While Whisky Matures
During the long maturation period, the distillery developed ohoro GIN with 13 botanicals, including ingredients from Niseko such as yachiyanagi and Japanese mint. In 2024, ohoro GIN standard received the World’s Best award in the Classic Gin category at the World Gin Awards.
