Dedication to Water: Suntory Whisky Yamazaki｜Dedication to Water

Where Does the Water for The Yamazaki Whisky Come From?

The water used at Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first malt whisky distillery, is nurtured deep underground in the mountains where our Natural Water Sanctuary Tennozan and our Natural Water Sanctuary Osaka Shimamoto are located.

Contents

The Yamazaki Whisky’s Dedication to Water
What Kind of Forest Nurtures the Water Used for The Yamazaki Whisky?
Natural Water Sanctuary Tennozan Initiatives
Yamazaki Distillery Tour

The Yamazaki Whisky’s Dedication to Water

More than 100 years ago, when constructing Japan’s first malt whisky distillery, Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii explored famous waters from across the country. He selected promising samples and sent them to whisky experts in Scotland for evaluation. The water that won their approval was from Yamazaki, on the outskirts of Kyoto.

The natural water used in the making of Yamazaki whisky is drawn from the same aquifer as “Rikyu-no-Mizu,” which is recognized as one of Japan's 100 Remarkable Waters. This water originates as rainfall in the mountains of our Natural Water Sanctuary Tennozan and Natural Water Sanctuary Osaka Shimamoto. Over many years, it is refined as it flows deep underground through the mountains.

“Rikyu no Mizu” or Imperial Palace water source, one of “Japan's 100 Remarkable Waters”

While all four of Suntory Tennensui mineral water products come from areas formed by volcanic igneous rock, the water at Yamazaki is nurtured in mountains composed of sedimentary rocks—such as sandstone, mudstone, chert (flint), and limestone. The complex minerals dissolved from these varied rocks contribute to the rich and robust flavor profile of the Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki.

What Kind of Forest Nurtures the Water Used for The Yamazaki Whisky?

Our Natural Water Sanctuary Tennozan and Natural Water Sanctuary Shimamoto feature bamboo groves, broadleaf forests that were once cultivated for charcoal and firewood, and plantation forests of cedar and Hinoki cypress. The Tennozan area also has well-maintained hiking trails, attracting many visitors.

In the areas managed by Suntory, logging roads have been built, and mitsumata plants (Oriental paperbush) have been planted to help stabilize the slopes created on both sides of these roads. In the spring, their beautiful blossoms delight many hikers.

Learn about the activities of Natural Water Sanctuary Tennozan

Natural Water Sanctuary Tennozan Initiatives

One of the current challenges faced by our Natural Water Sanctuary Tennozan is an encroaching bamboo forest issue. Abandoned bamboo groves are gradually overtaking surrounding mixed forests and causing them to wither. To combat this, the Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative involves clearing bamboo in areas where the damage is severe.

In the areas where bamboo have been cleared, the Rhinoceros Beetle Forest Project is being implemented. With the help of local elementary school students, seedlings of trees such as sawtooth oak—which produce sap that are favored by rhinoceros beetles—are being cultivated and planted. Since it will take time before the planted trees begin to produce sap, special breeding spots for rhinoceros beetle eggs have been created to allow many beetles to emerge in the meantime.

Yamazaki Distillery Tour

At the Yamazaki Distillery, which is connected by underground aquifers to our Natural Water Sanctuary Tennozan and Natural Water Sanctuary Osaka Shimamoto, visitors can enjoy guided tours and whisky tastings.

We hope to welcome you!