Kanosuke Distillery
Hioki, Japan
Craft whisky distillery of Komasa Kanosuke Distillery Co., Ltd. at Hiyoshi-cho, Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, facing the East China Sea near Fukiagehama Beach. Established in November 2017 by the Komasa family (Komasa Jyozo, rice-shochu makers since 1883) and named for second-generation master distiller Kanosuke Komasa; fourth-generation Yoshitsugu Komasa leads the whisky project. Official materials highlight three pot stills with distinct neck shapes and lyne-arm angles, extended fermentation, and maturation in varied sites—including re-charred shochu casks—under strong seasonal temperature swings and sea breeze. Guided production tours by advance booking end with tasting at the Mellow Bar overlooking the East China Sea; the shop is open to visitors without a tour. Closed Mondays except public holidays.