Komoro Distillery: Komoro, Nagano
Updated: 8 hours ago
Komoro Distillery is a whisky distillery in Komoro, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, run by Karuizawa Distillers. Distilling began there in June 2023.
In this guide
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Komoro at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Producer / distillery | Komoro |
Country and region | Nagano, Japan |
Owner / background | Komoro Distillery |
Historical context | Japanese distillery and visitor centre; mature branded releases require verification |
Whisky identity | Japanese distillery and visitor centre; mature branded releases require verification |
Visitor information | Check the official operator's website for currently available tours and visitor access. |
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Where is Komoro Distillery?
The distillery is at 4630-1 Ko, Komoro, Nagano 384-0801, Japan. The Japanese Whisky Dictionary notes that Komoro produces sake and wine, and that this was its first distilled spirits.
Who is behind it?
The operating company is Karuizawa Distillers Manufacturing Co., whose chief executive is Takashi Shimaoka, a former senior executive at a foreign investment bank.
The vice president is Ian Chang, the former master blender of Kavalan in Taiwan. He was named Master Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Whisky awards in 2015, according to the Japanese Whisky Dictionary.
Eddie Ludlow, an IWSC board member and whisky critic, is chief educator and brand adviser.
Opening and visitor centre
On 18 June 2023 the company held a completion ceremony for the distillery and began distilling. The distillery has Forsyth stills, and the site includes a visitor centre designed by Akira and Asami Sogo, with a bar and shop on the ground floor and whisky academy classrooms upstairs. The visitor centre was due to open on 23 July 2023.
Casks and events
Besides bourbon and sherry casks, the company said it would use Mizunara oak and STR casks, the shaved, toasted and re-charred cask treatment associated with the late Jim Swan. The World Whisky Forum was due to be held at Komoro Distillery in February 2024.
Gaps
Whiskybase lists the distillery as founded in 2024, which differs from the 2023 distilling start reported above. We did not find the current range.
Sources
Sources: Japanese Whisky Dictionary news item, 18 June 2023 (updated 8 February 2024); Whiskybase distillery page; DocentPro place listing. Read on 21 October 2026.
What makes Komoro distinctive?
Japanese distillery and visitor centre; mature branded releases require verification
Komoro whisky bottle and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
No confirmed regular consumer whisky expression | NAS / edition varies | Check producer label | Japanese distillery and visitor centre; mature branded releases require verification |
Bottles and editions listed above are documented expressions or historical associations, not live stock or guaranteed current distillery production. Confirm dates, strengths and provenance with the producer.
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Frequently asked questions about Komoro
Where is Komoro based?
Nagano, Japan.
Who owns or operates Komoro?
Komoro Distillery.
What is distinctive about Komoro?
Japanese distillery and visitor centre; mature branded releases require verification.
Which whiskies are documented?
No specific regular mature whisky release has been confirmed in this guide.
Can you visit Komoro?
Check the current official distillery website for tour and visitor arrangements.
Sources and editorial notes
Original research and source links have been preserved. Ownership, production, release schedules and visiting information may change.
Image note: featured whisky photograph is an illustration from the Whisky Clan media library, not a photo of this particular distillery or its products.
Editorial caution: this profile does not establish a verified, regularly available mature whisky bottle. Plans and early spirit releases are not equivalent to consumer whisky stock.
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Cover photograph: Komoro Distillery visitor building and glass facade in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Original source: Komoro Distillery / Karuizawa Distillers press release on PR Times. Photograph rights remain with the original owner; reuse permission has not been verified.
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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