Distillery

Sakurao

Explore the spirits, production style and story of Sakurao.

Sakurao is a Japanese producer of gin and whisky based in Hatsukaichi (Hiroshima Prefecture). Born from the centuries-old experience of a local production business, the Sakurao Distillery project was launched in 2017 to produce artisanal gin and Japanese single malt using local botanicals and raw materials.
Japanese gin Japanese single malt Japanese blended whisky liqueurs and umeshu
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Producer range

Producer range Sakurao

Spirit categories

Japanese gin Japanese single malt Japanese blended whisky liqueurs and umeshu

Representative products

Gin Sakurao Classic 70cl Sakurao Limited - 70cl - Boxed Sakurao Original - 70cl - Boxed Sakurao Single Malt Whisky - 70cl - Boxed

Raw materials

malt (for the whiskies) citrus (lemon, navel, yuzu, dai dai) juniper / juniper berries hinoki (Japanese cypress) green tea shiso (perilla) ginger wasabi oyster shell (used as a saline element in some recipes)

Casks and ageing vessels

sherry cask bourbon cask sake cask (finish) beer cask (finish)
Distillation and production

Distillation and production

Production method

For gin a hybrid copper still (imported from Germany) is used along with a mixed distillation technique that combines maceration/infusion (steeping) and vapor basket distillation to extract aromas from the botanicals; for whisky distillation is followed by maturation in warehouses/environments with different conditions to take advantage of local climate influences.

Distillation

For gin: a hybrid copper still (German model) with a mixed method combining botanical infusion and steam distillation through a basket; for whisky: conventional distillation for malt and subsequent ageing (technical details not specified in sources).

Ageing

Maturation in warehouses/environments with different microclimates (e.g. coastal and mountain areas of Hiroshima Prefecture); casks with different types of maturation/finish are used depending on the expression.

Producer history Sakurao

The parent company was founded in 1918; in 2017 the SAKURAO DISTILLERY project and plant were established at the original Sakurao site in Hatsukaichi (Hiroshima). SAKURAO GIN was launched in 2018, while the first official Sakurao single malt releases appeared in 2021. The company has a history in sake, shōchū and liqueur production and in recent years has expanded into gin and whisky.

Production philosophy

Promote Hiroshima's local resources and convey the pleasure of food through spirits that combine tradition and innovation; prioritize botanicals and ingredients from the territory to express a sense of place.

Territory

Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture (Japan). Production and inspiration linked to both the Seto Inland Sea coast and the mountains of the Chugoku region.

Awards and recognitions

Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2022: GOLD for SAKURAO GIN ORIGINAL, SAKURAO GIN HAMAGOU and Single Malt Japanese Whisky SAKURAO 1st Release CASK STRENGTH; SAKURAO GIN ORIGINAL also received a Superior Gold recognition.

Sakurao

This producer is a useful reference point for enthusiasts looking for authentic spirits, distinctive production identity and a carefully selected online catalogue.

On this page you can discover the producer, understand its main categories and browse the products currently available for purchase.

Products from

Products from Sakurao

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Sakurao Limited - 70cl - Boxed

Sakurao Limited - 70cl - Boxed

110,38 € 100,04 €
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Sakurao Single Malt Whisky - 70cl - Boxed

Sakurao Single Malt Whisky - 70cl - Boxed

98,51 € 81,59 €
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Sakurao Original - 70cl - Boxed

Sakurao Original - 70cl - Boxed

69,88 € 55,41 €
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Gin Sakurao Classic 70cl

Gin Sakurao Classic 70cl

48,98 € 42,57 €
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