Miki, Japan, has unveiled its newly renovated twin sites featuring a redesigned visitor centre that honors tradition while paving the way for future growth. These facilities serve as the heart of production for the acclaimed Hatozaki whisky and 135° East gin brands.
Honoring Tradition and Legacy
The opening ceremony was held in a traditional Japanese style, paying homage to local customs and the legacy of the Yonezawa family. The Yonezawas have brewed Akashi Daishu sake here since 1917, now proudly continuing the craft into their fourth generation.
A spokesperson for Marussia Beverages remarked, “This moment is not only a celebration of the new facility but also a tribute to the passion and vision for our work in Japan.”
Foundations for Expansion and Quality
The new site marks a significant step forward, laying the groundwork for increased capacity, improved quality, and a stronger presence in both domestic and global markets.
Dedicated to the aging, brewing, and bottling of Hatozaki whisky, the upgraded Miki site works in close partnership with the adjacent Akashi site, which continues to produce sake, gin, whisky, and liqueurs. This dual-site approach aims to maximize operational synergies and efficiencies.
Strategic Advantages and Innovation
Centralizing the storage of all whisky barrels at Miki will provide significant logistical advantages, streamlining the whisky-making process.
Kaikyō Distillery, founded in 2017 and led by master distiller and blender Kimio Yonezawa—who also serves as sake master of Akashi-Tai—is at the forefront of these innovations.
Celebrating Japanese Whisky Craftsmanship
Hatozaki embraces traditional whisky-making techniques infused with Japanese aesthetics. The brand uses locally sourced materials such as sakura oak barrels, mizunara oak barrels, and plum wine oak barrels, lending unique flavors and character to its whisky.
After launching the Triple Cask Reserve in 2025, Hatozaki plans to release its first single malt in 2027, signaling its growing ambition on the world whisky stage.
Context: Japanese Whisky Market Trends
Earlier this year, industry analysts noted a slowdown in Japanese whisky exports, which fell for the first time in 2023 after 15 years of strong growth. Miki’s expanded facilities and innovative approach position Hatozaki well to navigate this evolving market.
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