Tasting from the Cask Tour
Would you like to taste whisky straight from the cask
in the warehouse at Shizuoka Distillery?
From among the casks quietly maturing in our warehouse,
we have selected whiskies that are ready to be enjoyed now.
Taste the whisky drawn directly from the cask,
right there in the warehouse.
If you find one you particularly enjoy,
you can even bottle it yourself and take it home.
Plan Information
1. Join a Distillery Tour First
First, take a guided tour of Gaiaflow Shizuoka Distillery and explore the distillery from top to bottom.
Our staff will guide you through the distillery and explain the whisky-making process and the distinctive character of our whisky.
For more details about our distillery tours, please see here.
At the end of the tour, you will visit our maturation warehouse, where countless casks rest quietly as they mature.
2. Taste Two Drams
Drawn Directly from the Cask in the Warehouse
In the warehouse, compare two whiskies drawn from two carefully selected casks.
Enjoy the whisky exactly as it comes from the cask, with no filtration or dilution. The unique character of each individual cask shines through even more clearly. Discover the differences between the two casks for yourself.
Tasting these whiskies among rows of maturing casks, while experiencing the distinctive character of each one, is a truly special experience that can only be enjoyed at the distillery.
3. Hand-Fill Your Favorite Whisky
Directly from the Cask
Choose one of the two casks, then use a special tool called a Valinch to draw the whisky directly from the cask yourself and bottle it on the spot.
Experience the aroma and color of the whisky as it is poured, write your own label by hand, and take home a one-of-a-kind bottle.
※ This is an additional paid option.
You may also choose to enjoy the tasting only, without bottling.
[Experience Report]
Japanese Only
We have published a detailed report of the tour experience.
Please take a look before making your reservation!
Japanese only.
Tour Fees
Includes: Distillery tour and a tasting of two whiskies drawn directly from the cask (10 ml each)
¥5,500 per person (tax included; includes the ¥1,100 distillery tour fee. Bottling is charged separately.)
Guests under 20 years of age are not permitted to participate.
Bottle Price: ¥7,700 per bottle (tax included)
Purchasing a bottle is optional.
Each guest may purchase one 200 ml bottle from one of the two casks.
Duration
60-minute guided tour + approximately 60-minute tasting in the warehouse
(Guests are free to leave after the tour and tasting.)
Schedule
Available on selected dates throughout the year.
Please check the online booking site for the latest schedule.
If there are spaces available on the day, you may also join by registering at reception. Check-in begins 30 minutes before each session.
Important Information
The distillery is not air-conditioned. Temperatures inside may be similar to those outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather. The tasting room is air-conditioned.
The distillery has stairs and uneven surfaces. There are no chairs or seating areas, so the entire tour is conducted standing. Please note that the facility is not wheelchair accessible. Guests who have difficulty walking independently are asked to attend with someone who can provide assistance.
The tour is conducted in Japanese. An English guidebook is available upon request. Please ask at reception if you would like one.
Please do not bring food or beverages into the facility, except for soft drinks.
Open flames are strictly prohibited on the premises. Smoking is prohibited throughout the facility.
Work may be taking place on the premises. Please take care and follow safety instructions.
Pets are not permitted inside the buildings.
Alcohol consumption is permitted only for persons aged 20 or over. Drinking alcohol under the age of 20 is prohibited by Japanese law.
We do not serve alcohol to guests who will be driving. Drink-driving is prohibited by Japanese law.
How to Book
Please make your reservation through the online booking site.
Reservations cannot be made by telephone.
Distillery Shop
Open daily throughout the year, with occasional closures during periods such as the New Year holidays.
No reservation is required, so feel free to stop by.
Stop by during your sightseeing or drive and enjoy a special encounter with whisky.
We offer a wide selection of whiskies and spirits, including Single Malt Shizuoka and Blended M, as well as distillery-exclusive items available only here. You can also find whisky, gin, rum, and other spirits imported by Gaia Flow.