I have been eagerly awaiting this moment: the arrival of the “Single Malt Japanese Whisky Sakurao Sherry Cask HIROSHIGE COLLECTION.”
Just having this bottle on my counter feels like it’s elevating the energy of the entire bar.
A Symbol of Good Fortune and Traditional Beauty The first thing that captivates you is the label, featuring Utagawa Hiroshige’s famous ukiyoe, “Seven Lucky Gods on a Treasure Ship.”
It is a masterpiece of Japanese auspiciousness, symbolizing prosperity and happiness.
The set even includes a traditional folding fan with a wave pattern (Seigaiha), representing unending luck and the flourishing of future generations.
To me, these waves mirror the journey of Sakurao Distillery.
Since their founding in 1918 along the Hiroshima coast, they have navigated through challenges, even restarting their whisky production from zero with a team that possessed more passion than experience. Their “Tradition and Innovation” spirit is perfectly encapsulated in this beautiful presentation.
The Soul of Hiroshima: Local Pride and Future Legends Sakurao’s commitment to Hiroshima is profound.
They don’t just make spirits; they protect local resources, from cleaning Miyajima’s Hamago habitats to cultivating rare juniper berry forests.
They have even begun using local barley from Sera, proving that their mission is to be the pride of Hiroshima.
With the rumored opening of their second distillery, “Forest Side,” the bottles produced at the current site are destined to become even more rare and legendary.
It feels as though we are witnessing the birth of a world-class icon right here in our hometown.
Tasting the “Hitsuzen” of Hiroshima Pouring a glass reveals a deep, reddish-amber hue.
The aroma of raisins and ripe strawberries leads into a palate of bitter chocolate and a hint of salt, reflecting the gentle sea breeze of the Seto Inland Sea. Despite its powerful 60% ABV, the mouthfeel is remarkably soft and elegant.
As a Japanese Whisky Expert who once could barely drink alcohol, I feel that encountering this “lucky charm” of a bottle at Bar Little Happiness is a true HITSUZEN—an inevitable moment where tradition, local pride, and your own journey intersect.
Visit us in Hiroshima to experience the soul of our city through this extraordinary spirit.
Delving into the Depths of the Story: For those interested in the detailed history of this distillery and my personal reflections, please see my original column here. It’s packed with photos. (Japanese): (You can translate it into your preferred language using the language switch function at the top of this site)↓
出逢いは必然。Rum&Whiskyの世界へようこそ。 (An encounter is inevitable. Welcome to the world of Rum & Whisky.)
Guest Information
• Multilingual Menu: Available in 8 languages
• Payment: All major credit cards accepted
• Cover Charge: No cover charge
• Atmosphere: Quiet / No smoking (Electronic cigarettes allowed) / Solo & Small groups welcome
Visit Us in Hiroshima
We welcome guests from all over the world with our 8-language menu and a massive collection of over 1,000 whiskies.
Explore our vast range of Japanese labels, featuring an unrivaled selection of local Hiroshima craft whiskies, alongside an extensive array of fine Scotches.
No matter where you are from, your “destined glass” is waiting.
Find Out More
• Google Maps: [Get Directions & View Location]
• Bar Information & Concept: [Our Philosophy, Menu, and Service System]
• Spirits Column & Distillery Visits: [Exclusive Stories & Distillery Reports]
(Dive deep into the world of whisky and rum. This site can be translated into English or Korean using the language switcher tab at the top of the page.)
