If you’re anything like us – and have a passion for whisky and golf – then you’ll just love Ontake Distillery. Located in Japan’s Kagoshima Mountains, Ontake is the first distillery in the world to feature an on-site 18-hole golf course that is exclusively for cask owners, combining whisky and golf in a way that has never been seen before.
Taking its name from Sakurajima’s three majestic peaks – Kitadake, Nakadake, and Minamidake – Ontake Distillery is perched 400 metres above sea level in the serene mountains of the Satsuma Peninsula.
The golf course
This state-of-the-art distillery not only crafts exceptional award-winning single malt whiskies but also delivers an unparalleled experience for its exclusive cask owners. Ontake has a world-first offering: a private 18-hole golf course integrated into the distillery grounds, with access reserved exclusively for cask owners and their friends.
Coupled with a gourmet restaurant, a stunning hotel, and breathtaking views of the iconic Sakurajima volcano, it makes for a superb visitor experience.
The distillery and whisky
Established in 2019 by Nishi Shuzo, a producer with more than 175 years of expertise in premium Japanese spirits, the Ontake Distillery is one of the most exciting new producers in all of Japan, already releasing an award-winning expression – The Ontake First Edition.
Ontake features bespoke stills, with upward-angled lyne arms, creating a light and delicate spirit, before the whisky matures in carefully selected first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks and American Virgin Oak barrels.
The founder of Ontake, Nishi-San, is a perfectionist with a storied legacy in sake and shochu production who ensures every element of Ontake’s whisky-making process reflects his ethos of constant refinement and quality over quantity. In 2023, his team’s work paid off when Ontake released its “First Edition” to widespread acclaim, winning a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition. It was praised for its balance and depth of flavour, which many thought to be remarkable for such a young whisky, aged for just three years.
Buy a cask through dekantā
As Ontake Whisky opens its doors to global markets, dekantā, a specialist retailer of fine and rare Japanese whisky, has been appointed as the exclusive cask sales partner and will facilitate cask ownership opportunities for collectors and aficionados alike. A limited number of sherry and virgin oak casks are being made available for customers to buy, allowing them to live the dream of owning a full cask of whisky from a legendary Japanese distillery.
Yoichiro Nishi, owner and CEO at Ontake Whisky, said: “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. 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. We look forward to welcoming all our cask owners.”
Makiyo Masa, founder and CEO at dekantā, added: “For those seeking the ultimate expression of whisky luxury, Ontake Distillery is more than a destination – it’s an experience. We’re delighted to partner with Ontake Whisky to deliver world-class spirit and an unrivaled experience to whisky lovers around the globe.”
For more information see dekanta.com/ontake-distillery and nishi-shuzo.co.jp/ontake