The Yamazaki Distillery is located about 40 minutes outside of Osaka. Definitely a worthwhile excursion, even for non-whisky drinkers like me. It’s an interesting way to start your day for sure.
The tour is free, and you need to call them (yes, by phone) to make your tour reservation. We booked our 11:30am spots at least a month before the trip.
A Japanese guide is there the entire time, explaining everything with high energy. As good as I am at reading body language, we still opted for the English audio guides. They also come in French and Chinese.
In our group, a little Japanese boy had a pen and clipboard with him to take notes. His teacher is going to be so impressed when he shares what he did on his summer trip.
The tour ends with a complimentary whisky tasting and presentation. You get to try their single malt and blended whiskys, along with some crackers and chocolate. A hearty lunch for all.
When you’re on the brink of feeling tipsy, they shuttle you off to the gift shop to make impulse purchases.
We bought some ice sphere trays to take back as gifts. Why ice sphere trays? Because they satisfy my two souvenir criteria: they’re light and they’re made in Japan.
After that we went to the tasting counter where you can order expensive and rare stuff by the glass. They pour it nice and slow so everyone can take their photos.
This is the 25-year Single Malt, the 30-year Hibiki and also a Single Malt Distiller’s Reserve that’s only available on-site. You’re supposed to drink it nice and slow too, otherwise it burnssssss.
Actually I don’t know if it burns because I merely tapped my lips against the rim of each glass. Shrug.
Truth be told, I did not fall in love with whisky at Yamazaki Distillery. However, the tour is really interesting and the entire property is beautiful.
If you plan to visit, here’s the link with all of the information you need: