For a casual izakaya, a highball; for a prestigious bar, a straight.
Whiskey, which can change its impression and enjoyment depending on the occasion, is one of the alcoholic beverages loved by a wide range of ages.
An event where you can taste whiskey, the Kurashiki Whiskey Forum 2024, will be held at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
It is a fairly large-scale event with 95 exhibitors.
I have covered what kind of content a whiskey event with distilleries from all over Japan will have.
What is the Kurashiki Whiskey Forum 2024
Kurashiki Whiskey Forum is a whiskey tasting event that will be held on March 24, 2024 (Sunday).
The first event held in 2019 was planned to aim for the recovery from the July 2018 heavy rain disaster and the development of whiskey culture.
This will be the first event held since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The location is the same as the first event, Kurashiki Ivy Square.
There will be booths like the following, offering a lot of content to enjoy whiskey all day long.
- Corporate Booths where companies dealing with whiskey and other alcoholic beverages will exhibit
- BAR Booths where you can enjoy rare whiskeys and cocktails made by professional bartenders
- Food Booths offering dishes that go well with alcohol
Since distilleries from all over Japan will participate, you can enjoy tasting a variety of unique whiskeys little by little.
Also, it seems that not only whiskey but also cocktails and beers will be available, making it easy to invite those who love alcohol.
Some products at certain booths will be charged.
In addition, seminars will be held where you can learn about whiskey while drinking, guided by a luxurious lineup of instructors.
For details about each booth and the seminars, please check the official website.
The information desk will also sell goods, including event-original tote bags and tasting glasses.
Among them, the original label festival bottles made for this event were reportedly very popular last time, and some people lined up early just for the festival bottles.
The Kurashiki Whiskey Forum, which has finally revived after the COVID-19 pandemic.
I spoke with Matsushita Tomohiro from the Kurashiki Whiskey Forum Executive Committee about what kind of event it will be.
Interview with the Representative Executive Chairman
Can you tell us about the background of the event's planning?
Matsushita (no honorifics)
The first event was held because Nagata Hiroto, who runs a liquor store in Soja City, planned it as a way to contribute to the recovery from the July 2018 heavy rain disaster.
At that time, whiskey events were trending nationwide, but there were no large whiskey events in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. So, the idea of holding a whiskey event in Kurashiki came up. Nagata became the executive chairman of the first Kurashiki Whiskey Forum, and this event began to take shape.
Since Nagata was from Soja City, he reached out to local liquor stores and bars familiar with Kurashiki's dining scene, and the current executive committee members came together. I was also approached by Nagata at that timing. I think it was thanks to our mutual networks that we were able to have many exhibitors both last time and this time.
In recent years, we couldn't hold the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have finally revived it.
This time's event has the image of recovery from COVID. I hope that Kurashiki's town and dining establishments will thrive.
Are there any highlights for this event?
Matsushita
This time, many distilleries from all over Japan will be exhibiting, so I would be happy if you could enjoy a little bit of the interesting alcoholic beverages.
Originally in Japan, shochu, mirin, and brewing alcohol were produced, so I feel that many craftsmen with those skills are now making whiskey.
I think you will be able to taste rare alcoholic beverages that are not usually available in Kurashiki, so please enjoy the individuality of each distillery.
Also, on the day of the event, a free open seminar will be held.
The instructors will include the chief blender from Sakurao Brewery and Distillery, which is gaining attention in Hiroshima, and a whiskey ambassador from Nikka Whiskey, allowing you to taste and compare while listening to their explanations.
I think whiskey has the image of being enjoyed as a hobby by adults, but I believe the seminar will be very interesting for those who enjoy it as a hobby. You can learn about niche knowledge and enjoy whiskey even more.
The open seminar will be on a first-come, first-served basis on the day, so if you want to participate, it might be good to arrive at the venue early.
How was the feedback from the last event?
Matsushita
There were many voices saying, "It was really fun" and "I want you to hold it again." Overall, I think it was well received.
Since Kurashiki has good transportation access, whiskey fans gathered from all over the country, and many people came from outside the prefecture while sightseeing. I also saw quite a few people from overseas, in addition to the locals.
From the booths that participated last time, they were happy to say, "I was able to talk with customers slowly." Since it is a local event, there were many first-time attendees at the whiskey event, and it seems that many people listened carefully to the explanations.
I hope that participants will also enjoy conversations with the booths. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Is there a unique atmosphere because it is held in Kurashiki?
Matsushita
Continuing from last time, we will hold the event at Kurashiki Ivy Square, and the atmosphere of the venue is indeed nice.
I think it is a space where you can experience proper hospitality, and since the space is large, you can enjoy various things.
If you can walk from JR Kurashiki Station to Ivy Square, there are many sightseeing spots along the way, so I hope that those from outside the prefecture can enjoy the journey to the venue as well.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Matsushita
I think it is an event that anyone who loves alcohol, not just whiskey, can enjoy. There are still many unknown alcoholic beverages, and you might encounter new drinks.
If you want to find a favorite bottle, please come to the Kurashiki Whiskey Forum.
And at this event, please open the door to whiskey.
I will also be waiting to make cocktails for you!
Conclusion
At first, I thought the name "forum" suggested a relatively serious event, but I was relieved to learn that it offers various ways to enjoy whiskey and is recommended for beginners as well.
In a bar, you might hesitate to compare drinks due to the price, but at an event like this, you can enjoy various whiskeys without worry, which is great.
Why not take this opportunity to experience the charm of Japanese whiskey, which has many fans worldwide?
Data of the Kurashiki Whiskey Forum 2024
| 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 are 4,500 yen On-the-day tickets are 5,000 yen *Some products at certain booths are charged separately |
| Website | Official Website of Kurashiki Whiskey Forum 2024 |
