Founded in 1918 in the mountainous region of Hiroshima, the Togouchi distillery, now known as Sakurao, embodies the perfect combination of Japanese tradition and innovation. Originally specializing in the production of sake and shochu, it has established itself as a benchmark for Japanese whiskey, thanks to its unique aging methods and award-winning blends. Its whiskeys, aged in an underground railway tunnel, offer a rare taste experience, combining complexity and authenticity.
The history and highlights of the Togouchi Distillery
The Togouchi adventure began in 1918, when the Shirai family founded a brewery in Hatsukaichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture. For nearly a century, the company devoted itself to producing sake and shochu, before branching out into blending whiskies imported from Scotland and Canada, which it aged and bottled in Japan. The name "Togouchi" comes from a 361-meter-long railway tunnel, dug in the 1970s, where the barrels are stored in ideal temperature and humidity conditions, ensuring slow and harmonious maturation.
In 2018, the Sakurao distillery was inaugurated, marking a turning point: Togouchi became a fully-fledged distillery, capable of producing its own 100% Japanese malt and grain whiskies. This development allowed the brand to control the entire process, from distillation to bottling, and to offer single malts and blends of exceptional quality. Since 2022, all Togouchi whiskeys have been distilled on site, affirming their Japanese identity and commitment to artisanal excellence.
Special features in the production process
The Togouchi distillery stands out for its unique approach to aging. The casks are stored in an underground railway tunnel, providing stable and ideal maturing conditions: a constant temperature and high humidity, reducing the angel's share to just 2%. This method, combined with the use of pure water drawn from the Oze River, gives the whiskies a remarkable smoothness and aromatic complexity.
Togouchi whiskies are made from carefully selected malts and grains, distilled in hybrid stills and aged in a variety of casks: bourbon, sherry, Mizunara (Japanese oak), and even sake casks for original finishes. This diversity of casks allows for the creation of rich and varied aromatic profiles, combining fruity, spicy, woody, and floral notes for a tasting experience that is always surprising.
The house's iconic products
Togouchi 9 Years
This blended whisky, aged in oak and bourbon casks, is one of the most iconic in the range. It is characterized by an intense nose, marked by sweet spices, dried fruit, and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, it offers a beautiful roundness and a lingering finish, ideal for an introduction to Japanese whisky.
Togouchi Kiwami
Meaning "supreme," this premium blend is a combination of whiskies aged in bourbon barrels and refined in sake barrels. It is distinguished by its complexity and balance, with aromas of honey, candied fruit, and a hint of sandalwood. A benchmark for lovers of refined whiskies.
Togouchi Single Malt
Launched in 2021, this single malt is the first whisky 100% distilled and aged at Sakurao. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks, it offers notes of ripe fruit, caramel, and sweet spices, with a long and elegant finish. A must for connoisseurs.
Togouchi Mizunara Cask
This single cask, aged exclusively in Mizunara oak barrels, is a rarity. It is characterized by aromas of coconut, sandalwood, and exotic fruits, with a silky texture and a lingering finish. An exceptional whiskey, reserved for the most discerning palates.
The Togouchi distillery, with its century-old heritage and artisanal expertise, embodies the excellence of Japanese whisky. Its unique aging methods, bold blends, and award-winning products make it an essential reference for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether you are a novice or an expert, discovering Togouchi means exploring an exciting and authentic facet of the art of Japanese whisky.
