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Ontake Distillery offers Japanese whisky casks

Japan’s Ontake Distillery has partnered with Dekantā to offer whisky fans the opportunity to join its cask programme.

Ontake Distillery
Ontake Distillery uses stills with upward-angled lyne arms

Founded in 2019 by Japanese shochu producer Nishi Shuzo, Ontake is described as the first distillery in the world to feature an onsite 18-hole golf course exclusively for cask owners.

Japanese spirits retailer Dekantā will act as the exclusive cask sales partner for Ontake Distillery, offering a limited number of Sherry and virgin oak whisky casks.

Ontake takes its name from the Sakurajima volcano’s three peaks, Kitadake, Nakadake, and Minamidake. The site is perched 400 metres above sea level in the mountains of the Satsuma Peninsula.

Ontake features bespoke stills with upward-angled lyne arms that result in a ‘light and delicate’ spirit. The liquid is then matured in first-fill oloroso Sherry casks and American virgin oak barrels.

In 2023, the distillery released its First Edition whisky (aged for three years using the Solera system) with a second expression a year later. A limited edition launch is planned for 2025.

The distillery is also home to a restaurant and a hotel is due to open in 2026.

“We are pleased to announce that, through our partnership with Dekantā, we can now share the Ontake Distillery Owner’s Cask programme with people worldwide,” said Yoichiro Nishi, owner and CEO at Ontake Whisky.

“Our shared vision with Dekantā is to expand the community of whisky enthusiasts who nurture whisky together at Ontake Distillery.

“We warmly encourage cask owners to visit the distillery from time to time and witness the maturation of their whisky, much like watching their own child grow. During your visit, we invite you to enjoy the breathtaking views of Sakurajima, a symbol of Kagoshima, along with fine spirits, cuisine, golf, and relaxing hot springs.”

Founded in 1845, Nishi Shuzo is known for producing shochu and sake.

Dekantā has also teamed up with Japan’s first farm-to-bottle producer, Kiyokawa, on a cask partnership.

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