OUR STORY
Master Distillers and world class Whisky Blenders
Asaka Distillery
Located in Asaka, Fukushima, Asaka Distillery produces fine Japanese whisky or which all of our products feature.
Founded on Tradition
Located in Asaka, Fukushima, Asaka Distillery produces fine Japanese whisky or which all of our products feature.
Japanese Whisky
We understand the seasonal influences on our products and work with our natural processes to produce amazing flavors
Black Label
Yamazakura’s commitment to combining the finest elements from around the globe with their own Japanese craftsmanship. This whisky artfully blends international whiskies with Yamazakura’s single malt, creating a smooth and balanced flavor profile. Its complexity is highlighted by fruity notes, hints of spice, and a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate.
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The whisky’s layered flavors make it a versatile choice, perfect for enjoying neat or in cocktails. The rich malt undertones are complemented by a delicate balance of oak and fruit, delivering a full-bodied yet approachable experience.
With a soft, warming finish, Black Label is an ideal choice for both seasoned whisky drinkers and those new to the world of blended whiskies. This elegant blend reflects Yamazakura’s tradition of innovation, bringing together the best elements of global whisky production with their unique approach to Japanese distilling.
ABV: 40%
Aged three years before the blending, and it is aged an additional 2-6 months after blending.
Pure Malt Whisky
Yamazakura Pure Malt Whisky is a meticulously crafted expression that showcases a harmonious blend of carefully selected malts, each aged in sherry barrels to enhance its character. The key malt, aged for over five years in premium oak barrels, contributes depth and complexity to the whisky. This unique maturation process takes place in specially selected new bourbon barrels made from American white oak, warehoused in an environment marked by drastic diurnal temperature variations. This natural fluctuation in temperature allows the whisky to breathe and develop, resulting in a rich and nuanced flavor profile.
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Award-Winning Craftsmanship,
Recognized as the World’s Best Blended Whisky at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Yamazakura Pure Malt has captured the attention of connoisseurs and critics alike.
The esteemed judging panel of the SFWSC described the Yamazakura single malt as a captivating experience, beginning with a bouquet of floral and stone fruit notes on the nose. On the palate, the whisky reveals a delightful combination of herbaceous qualities and distinctive red fruit flavors, complemented by subtle hints of rose petals and vanilla. This exceptional complexity makes Yamazakura Pure Malt Whisky a standout choice for both casual drinkers and seasoned aficionados, inviting you to savor its exquisite balance and depth.
ABV: 48%
Aged in American Oak Bourbon barrels and the blended are aged 90% in bourbon oak and 10% finished in Sherry Oak casks.
Sasanokawa
Fu Junmai Ginjo is a refreshing and modern take on traditional Japanese sake brewing, crafted with precision using premium-grade rice polished to a high degree. This light, aromatic sake offers delicate fruity notes and a crisp acidity, making it an ideal choice for both sake enthusiasts and those new to the category. Its smooth and vibrant profile ensures a versatile drinking experience, whether sipped on its own or paired with various cuisines.
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The brewing process for Fu emphasizes purity and craftsmanship, using water sourced from the mountains surrounding the Asaka Distillery and 100% “Fukunoka”, a new rice suitable for sake brewing by Fukushima Prefecture. This natural resource imparts a clean, crisp character that enhances the sake’s overall balance. The result is a sake that is both elegant and accessible, perfect for casual gatherings or more formal occasions.
Fu Junmai Ginjo is a testament to Yamazakura’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. Its bright and refreshing qualities appeal to modern tastes while remaining deeply rooted in centuries-old brewing techniques, offering a distinctive and memorable experience in every glass.
ABV: 15%
Overture
Overture is a premium blended whisky that includes carefully selected malt whisky, offering an elevated and luxurious drinking experience. An enhanced version of the popular Yamazakura Black Label, it balances rich malt flavors with a delicate, honey-like sweetness. The result is a smooth, multi-layered whisky that appeals to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
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With its sophisticated flavor profile, Overture brings together the best of Yamazakura’s blending expertise. The malt adds depth, while the elegant sweetness and soft finish provide a refined and pleasurable aftertaste that lingers on the palate.
This whisky is perfect for savoring neat, on the rocks, or as the base for an elegant cocktail. Overture embodies the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have made Yamazakura a respected name in whisky, offering a rich yet approachable whisky experience for all occasions.
ABV: 46%
Aged three years before the blending, and it is aged an additional 2-6 months after blending.
Crafted with precision, celebrated worldwide.
Yamazakura Whisky a Fusion of Tradition & Innovation
Yamazakura Whisky is a product of Sasanokawa Shuzo, a family-owned distillery in Koriyama, Japan, with a history stretching back to 1765. The company began as a sake brewery, earning recognition for its fine craftsmanship and use of local ingredients, particularly the pure water from the nearby mountains. Over centuries, Sasanokawa refined its brewing techniques, and in 1946, it expanded into whisky production, marking a significant step in its evolution. This transition allowed the company to blend its mastery of fermentation and aging with the art of whisky-making.
The Asaka Distillery, revived in 2016, has since been home to the creation of Yamazakura Whisky. The distillery combines the time-honored brewing traditions of sake with innovative whisky production methods. Unlike the large-scale distilleries that dominate Japan’s whisky landscape, Sasanokawa prides itself on its small-batch, hand-crafted approach. This artisan mindset ensures that each bottle of Yamazakura is produced with meticulous attention to detail, from selecting the ingredients to aging the whisky under the influence of Koriyama’s unique climate.
Nature Meets Craft – The Essence of Yamazakura
One of the defining aspects of Yamazakura Whisky is the environment in which it’s crafted. The winds that blow down from Mt. Bandai, along with the seasonal shifts in temperature and humidity, play a critical role in shaping the whisky’s flavor profile. These natural factors create the perfect conditions for slow, careful aging, imparting subtle complexities to the whisky as it matures. The result is a spirit that not only captures the essence of Japanese whisky-making but also reflects the natural beauty and character of the Koriyama region.
Sasanokawa’s dedication to small-batch production allows the distillery to focus on quality over quantity, setting it apart from other whisky producers. Each batch of Yamazakura is crafted in limited quantities, allowing the distillers to carefully monitor every step of the process. This hands-on approach ensures that each bottle meets the company’s exacting standards, resulting in a whisky that offers a distinct, refined flavor with every sip.