In recent years, Japanese whisky made in Japan has gained popularity around the world, and whisky events showcasing its appeal are held throughout Japan.
In 2019, the Kurashiki Whisky Forum was held in Kurashiki, and it apparently became the largest whisky event in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. I heard that many people came from outside the prefecture to attend.
This popular event has now returned for the first time in five years, and I decided to attend my first-ever whisky event.
At the Kurashiki Whisky Forum, I encountered not only rare whiskies but also many drinks I would not normally get the chance to see. Here’s what the event was like.
The information presented was accurate when this article was published in April 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Kurashiki Whisky Forum?
The Kurashiki Whisky Forum is a whisky tasting event held on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
Distilleries from across Japan take part, offering visitors the chance to compare original Japanese whiskies for free.
Some tastings are paid
Tickets cost 5,000 yen at the door and 4,500 yen in advance.
In addition to tastings, there was plenty to delight drink lovers, including a food area featuring local specialties and whisky seminars led by an impressive lineup of instructors. Booths also served craft beer and cocktails, so visitors could enjoy a variety of drinks, not just whisky.
For details about the event, check the official website.
The first Kurashiki Whisky Forum was held in 2019 and was planned to support recovery from the July 2018 heavy rains and promote the development of whisky culture. It was apparently a huge success, attracting many whisky fans from outside the prefecture.
This was the second event, and the first to be held since the COVID-19 pandemic.
What the event was like
On the day of the event, I headed to Kurashiki Ivy Square around noon.
Unfortunately, it was raining, but since it was spring break, Kurashiki Ivy Square was bustling with tourists.
On the way to the venue, I passed people carrying Kurashiki Whisky Forum pamphlets. Had they already enjoyed some whisky? Everyone’s faces were slightly flushed, and they looked happily tipsy.
After entering the venue, I first bought a ticket at reception. They put a wristband on me and gave me a pamphlet and a bottle of water. I personally appreciated being given a chaser at an alcohol event.
Corporate area
First, I made my way to the largest area, the corporate area.
I was overwhelmed by the larger-than-expected crowd, but the whiskies lined up along the walls drew me in, and I soon found myself blending into the crowd.
My first stop was Three Arrows Co., Ltd., which deals in rare whiskies from overseas and had a booth near the entrance.
Here, I sampled whisky from the “Heaven’s Door” series, created under the direction of world-famous musician Bob Dylan.
When I told the staff, “I don’t know much about whisky…,” they poured the whiskies in order from easiest to drink. Each sample was about one sip in a shot-glass-sized cup.
Tasting them side by side while listening to the staff explain each one helped me appreciate the distinctive flavors. It felt like I might discover what kind of whisky I like best.
The bottles sold for 9,000 to 15,000 yen each. That is not an amount I would normally spend to casually compare different whiskies, but the Whisky Forum gave me the chance to enjoy a variety of flavors.
After trying some overseas whiskies, I went looking for Japanese whisky. As I walked around the venue, I spotted the word “Okayama.”
My second stop was Okayama Distillery, established by Miyashita Sake Brewery, a comprehensive beverage manufacturer based in Okayama City. Miyashita Sake Brewery also makes Okayama’s local beer, Doppo Beer, which was on sale at the venue.
Here, I decided to order a paid tasting of Okayama Triple Cask for 200 yen.
When I asked a staff member what “triple cask” meant, they explained, “Cask means barrel, and triple cask is whisky made by blending three types of barrels.” It certainly had a rich flavor and aroma thanks to the blend.
When you learn something new about whisky, you can’t help wanting to tell someone about it.
At Okayama Distillery, you could also sample gin and vodka. They were happy to pour smaller samples, so it was easy to compare all the varieties.
I kept gulping down the bottled water provided to help prevent me from getting drunk, but there were water stations throughout the venue where I could refill it whenever I wanted. It made it easy to enjoy the drinks without worry.
In addition to whisky, I got to savor drinks I had never tried before, including smooth rum made with wasanbon sugar and a liqueur made entirely in Japan inspired by yuzu kosho.I enjoyed drinks I had never encountered before.
The distillery area featured distinctive drinks from across Japan and rare whiskies from overseas.
Food Area & Cocktail Booth
I was feeling a little hungry, so I took a look at the outdoor food area. It was still raining, but a few lines had formed.
Several well-known restaurants from Kurashiki City had set up stalls. I couldn't decide what to eat, but the savory aroma drew me to Hiruzen yakisoba.
The yakisoba made me want a drink to go with it, so I headed to the cocktail booth in the indoor food area.
Amazingly, the drinks served at the cocktail booth were free, too. I ordered a gin buck.
The combination of Hiruzen yakisoba with its rich miso sauce and a refreshing gin buck was irresistible. I felt spoiled, enjoying such good drinks without a care.
Tables and chairs were set up inside the venue, so I could take my time eating.
Exploring the Venue
Once I was full, I took a stroll around the venue to walk off my meal.
When I visited the BAR area, it had a more grown-up atmosphere, quite different from the lively distillery area.
At the BAR booths, you could enjoy a range of rare whiskies through paid tastings.
I didn't order any this time, but later, a bartender I knew who had attended the event told me, “I got to try so many whiskies that were truly one of a kind.” Even professionals had found rare whiskies gathered here.
In the hallway just outside the BAR area, original merchandise from the event was on sale.
The tote bag, printed with the stylish event logo, looked like it would be great for everyday use.
As I browsed the merchandise, people around me suddenly began murmuring. Following their gaze, I saw a man carrying bagpipes walking toward us from the end of the hallway.
I knew there would be a live bagpipe performance, but I hadn't expected to hear it from so close.
Being able to enjoy whisky while listening to the sound of the bagpipes, a traditional Scottish instrument, is an experience unique to this event.
From the Writer
I attended with almost no knowledge of whisky, but precisely because I wasn't familiar with it, I learned new things and fun facts, and came to enjoy whisky even more.
It was great not only to drink quality spirits, but also to discover many unusual drinks that you wouldn't find on store shelves.
Since there are drinks other than whisky to try, anyone who enjoys alcohol could spend the whole day at the event without getting bored.
The Kurashiki Whisky Forum was a huge success once again. I hope it will continue to be a leading whisky event in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions.
Kurashiki Whisky Forum 2024 Information
| Name | Kurashiki Whisky Forum 2024 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, March 24, 2024 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Location | Kurashiki Ivy Square |
| Admission (tax included) | Advance tickets: ¥4,500 Tickets at the door: ¥5,000 *Some booth items are available for an additional charge |
| Website | Kurashiki Whisky Forum 2024 |
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