In recent years, domestically produced Japanese whisky has gained popularity worldwide, and whisky events that convey its charm are being held across Japan.
In 2019, the "Kurashiki Whisky Forum" was held in Kurashiki, becoming the largest whisky event in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. I heard that many participants came from outside the prefecture.
Such a popular event has returned after five years, and I also participated in my first-ever whisky event.
At the Kurashiki Whisky Forum, I encountered many rare whiskies as well as various alcoholic beverages that are not often seen. I will introduce the events of the day.
What is the Kurashiki Whisky Forum?
The Kurashiki Whisky Forum is a whisky tasting event held on March 24, 2024 (Sunday) at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
Various distilleries from all over Japan participate, allowing attendees to taste unique Japanese whiskies for free.
Some tastings are paid.
Admission tickets were 5,000 yen for same-day purchases and 4,500 yen for advance tickets.
In addition to tastings, there were food areas featuring local specialties and whisky seminars led by luxurious instructors, making it a paradise for alcohol lovers. There were also booths offering craft beer and cocktails, allowing attendees to enjoy a variety of drinks.
For more details about the event, please check the official website.
The first Kurashiki Whisky Forum was held in 2019, planned to promote recovery from the July 2018 heavy rain disaster and the development of whisky culture. It was reportedly a great success, attracting many whisky fans from outside the prefecture.
This is the second event, and it is the first to be held after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Events of the Day
On the day of the event, I headed to Kurashiki Ivy Square around noon.
Unfortunately, it was raining, but since it was the spring break season, Kurashiki Ivy Square was bustling with tourists.
On my way to the venue, I passed by people holding pamphlets for the Kurashiki Whisky Forum. They must have already enjoyed some whisky. Everyone's faces were slightly flushed, and they looked pleasantly tipsy.
Upon entering the venue, I first purchased a ticket at the reception. I received a wristband, a pamphlet, and a bottle of water. I personally appreciated receiving a chaser at an alcohol event.
Corporate Area
First, I will head to the largest corporate area.
I was overwhelmed by the unexpectedly large number of participants, but I was drawn to the various whiskies lined up against the walls and naturally blended into the crowd.
The first stop was at Three Arrows Co., Ltd., which handles rare whiskies from overseas, located near the entrance.
Here, I tasted a whisky from the series "Heaven's Door," which was supervised by world-renowned musician Bob Dylan.
When I told the staff, "I'm not very knowledgeable about whisky..." they poured me a sample starting with the easier-to-drink whiskies. The tasting amount was about a sip in a shot glass-sized cup.
As I compared the different whiskies while receiving explanations from the staff, I was able to better appreciate the unique characteristics of each flavor. I felt like I was discovering what type of whisky I personally prefer.
The retail price per bottle ranges from 9,000 yen to 15,000 yen. It's not a price that one can casually taste on a regular basis, but at the Whisky Forum, I was able to enjoy various flavors.
After tasting the overseas whiskies, I walked around the venue looking for Japanese whiskies and spotted the word "Okayama."
The second stop was at the Okayama Distillery, established by Miyashita Shuzo, a comprehensive liquor manufacturer located in Okayama City. Miyashita Shuzo also produces Okayama craft beer, Doppo Beer, which was also available for sale at the venue.
Here, I ordered a paid tasting of "Okayama Triple Cask" for 200 yen.
When I asked the staff about the meaning of "triple cask," they explained, "Cask means barrel, and triple cask refers to whisky made by mixing three types of barrels." Indeed, the rich flavor and aroma are a result of the mix.
Once I gained new knowledge about whisky, I found myself wanting to share it with someone.
At the Okayama Distillery, gin and vodka were also available for tasting. I was able to request smaller tasting amounts, making it easy to compare all the varieties.
I was gulping down the water from the distributed bottle to prevent getting drunk, but there were water refill stations throughout the venue, so I could refill freely. I could drink alcohol with peace of mind.
In addition to whiskey, I was able to enjoy smooth rum made with wasanbon (a type of Japanese sugar) and pure domestic liqueurs inspired by yuzu pepper, which were drinks I had never encountered before.
It was a corporate area where I could enjoy unique alcoholic beverages from all over Japan and rare whiskeys from abroad.
Food Area & Cocktail Booth
Feeling a bit hungry, I peeked into the outdoor food area. It was still raining, but there were a few lines forming.
Famous restaurants from Kurashiki City had set up stalls, and I was torn about which dish to choose, but I was lured by the savory aroma and decided to buy Hiruzen yakisoba.
I wanted to drink some alcohol while snacking on the yakisoba, so I headed to the cocktail booth in the indoor food area.
Surprisingly, the alcohol served at the cocktail booth is also free. I ordered a gin buck.
The combination of the rich miso sauce Hiruzen yakisoba and the refreshing gin buck is irresistible. It feels luxurious to enjoy good alcohol without any reservations.
There were also tables and chairs set up in the venue, so I was able to eat leisurely.
Strolling Around the Venue
Once I was full, I decided to stroll around the venue to help with digestion.
When I went to the BAR area, it had a slightly different, more adult atmosphere compared to the lively corporate area.
At the BAR booth, you can enjoy a variety of rare whiskeys for a fee.
I didn't order anything this time, but later, a bartender acquaintance who attended the event told me, "I encountered many once-in-a-lifetime whiskeys." It seems that even professionals found a collection of rare whiskeys.
Just outside the BAR area, there was a hallway where original goods from this event were being sold.
The stylish tote bag printed with the event logo seems great for everyday use.
While I was looking at the goods, suddenly the people around me started to buzz. Following their gazes, I saw a man with a bagpipe walking from the end of the hallway.
I knew there would be a live performance of bagpipe music, but I didn't expect to hear it so up close.
Enjoying whiskey while listening to the sound of the traditional Scottish instrument, the bagpipe, is a unique experience that this event offers.
Conclusion
I participated without much knowledge of whiskey, but because I wasn't familiar with it, I was able to learn new knowledge and trivia, which allowed me to enjoy whiskey even more.
Not only did I drink high-quality alcohol, but I also encountered many rare drinks that are not typically available in stores, which was great.
Since there are also drinks other than whiskey, those who love alcohol can enjoy the event for a whole day without getting bored.
The Kurashiki Whiskey Forum, which was a great success this time as well, should continue to be a representative whiskey event for the Chugoku and Shikoku regions.
Kurashiki Whiskey Forum 2024 Data
| Name | Kurashiki Whiskey Forum 2024 |
|---|---|
| Date | March 24, 2024 (Sunday) From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Location | Kurashiki Ivy Square |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Advance tickets: 4,500 yen On-the-day tickets: 5,000 yen *Some booth products are available for an additional fee |
| Website | Kurashiki Whiskey Forum 2024 |
