Distileri

Ohishi

Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan · 1872'den beri

Ohishi is a small, family-run distillery nestled in the Kumamoto region of Kyushu, Japan, with roots stretching back to 1872. Originally established as a producer of wine and sake, the distillery gradually turned its attention to whisky, drawing on centuries of Japanese fermentation wisdom to craft a product unlike any other. What sets Ohishi apart is its distinctive use of sherry, wine, and sake casks for maturation — barrels that were originally crafted for the distillery's own traditional beverages. This practice imparts the whisky with soft notes of dried fruit, toasted rice, a subtle sweetness, and a gentle umami quality rarely encountered in Western styles. Much of Ohishi's production relies on rice as its primary grain, a direct nod to its sake heritage. The resulting expressions are understated yet layered, rewarding those who approach them with patience and curiosity. As a boutique producer with limited output, Ohishi has garnered a devoted following among whisky enthusiasts who seek authenticity and quiet craftsmanship over spectacle.