Yuza Distillery: Yuza, Yamagata
Updated: 8 hours ago
Yuza Distillery (遊佐蒸溜所) is the first whisky distillery in Yamagata Prefecture, in the north of Japan's Tohoku region. It is owned by Kinryu, a shochu maker based in Sakata, and its single malt is sold under the name YUZA.
In this guide
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Yuza at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Producer / distillery | Yuza |
Country and region | Yamagata, Japan |
Owner / background | Yuza Distillery company |
Historical context | Kinryu traces back to a company set up in 1950 by sake makers from Sakata and the surrounding Akumi district to make brewing alcohol. Asahi Shimbun reported that, with the future of the… |
Whisky identity | Japanese craft whisky producer; current branded releases require verification |
Visitor information | Check the official operator's website for currently available tours and visitor access. |
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Where it is
The distillery is in the town of Yuza, in the north of Yamagata Prefecture next to the border with Akita. The town lies at the foot of Mount Chokai and is known for its spring water. Water from the Mount Chokai underground flow is used at the distillery, according to Asahi Shimbun.
The story so far
Kinryu traces back to a company set up in 1950 by sake makers from Sakata and the surrounding Akumi district to make brewing alcohol. Asahi Shimbun reported that, with the future of the business uncertain, the company looked for a second pillar beside shochu and chose whisky.
The distillery has been running since autumn 2018, using stills made in Scotland and barley from Scotland. About 150 casks were filled between November 2018 and January 2019. Forty of them were selected for the first release, THE YUZA DISTILLERY First Edition 2022.
That first release was shipped in February 2022 as a cask strength bottling at 61% ABV. Asahi Shimbun reported 8,500 bottles in the first shipment, with about 30 percent going overseas. In June 2022 it won a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge in the UK, where 57 Japanese whiskies were entered in the tasting category.
The people and the idea
The BS Fuji programme Whiskypedia names Masaharu Sasaki as the distillery's representative and Miho Saito as head of production. The distillery works to a concept it calls TLAS, taken from the first letters of Tiny, Lovely, Authentic and Supreme. A Third Edition 2023 followed in November 2023.
Sources
Based on Asahi Shimbun, 18 June 2022, and BS Fuji Whiskypedia, December 2023.
What makes Yuza distinctive?
Japanese craft whisky producer; current branded releases require verification
Yuza 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 craft whisky producer; current 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 Yuza
Where is Yuza based?
Yamagata, Japan.
Who owns or operates Yuza?
Yuza Distillery company.
What is distinctive about Yuza?
Japanese craft whisky producer; current branded releases require verification.
Which whiskies are documented?
No specific regular mature whisky release has been confirmed in this guide.
Can you visit Yuza?
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: Yuza Whisky Distillery actual white building with its Japanese signage in Yamagata. Source: Roman Atumi photo source. Reuse rights have not been independently confirmed.
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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