The parent company of Suntory Global Spirits has confirmed the completion of works to revamp its Hakushu Japanese whisky distillery.
Suntory announced its intention in February last year to spend in the region of JPY10bn (then-US$76.2m) on upgrading two of its production facilities in Japan. The group has now finished the work at Hakushu in the country’s Yamanashi prefecture.
The investment allows for floor malting to be introduced for the distillery’s namesake brand, along with the commencement of in-house yeast cultivation. Also complete is the construction of an on-site restaurant for distillery visitors and a “bird bridge” linking the facility to a nearby bird sanctuary.
The initial announcement last year coincided with Hakushu’s 50th anniversary.
“Hakushu Distillery continues to produce high quality Suntory whisky for the future whilst coexisting with nature,” the company said this week. “This renewal will enable visitors to better experience the uniqueness of Hakushu, from its dedication to quality craftsmanship to coexistence with the surrounding rich natural environment.”
In April, Suntory Global Spirits unveiled plans to investigate expanding its use of hydrogen to power the distillation process at Hakushu.
