2016 was a year that will forever be etched in the memory of Laos, and by extension, the story of LAODI. It was the year Vientiane hosted the ASEAN Summit, but more importantly, it marked a historic first: the official…
The Bridge Between Nations: Meeting the Destined Partner of LAODI In my journey to understand the soul of LAODI Rum in Laos, I discovered that the spirit’s rebirth was not a solo achievement. It was driven by a powerful partnership…
In the heart of Laos, where the timeless landscapes of old Asia still breathe, I found a story that changed my perspective on spirits forever. This is the first report of my journey to the LAODI Distillery. My story with…
My journey through Saburomaru Distillery has reached its final and most sacred chapter. I was granted access to the “Sanctuary”—the Blender’s Room—a private space where the future of Japanese whisky is being composed. Here, President Inagaki describes the art of…
At Saburomaru Distillery, the walls are more than just architecture; they are a “Vessel of History.” These buildings, which survived the fires of war and are now designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, represent the unyielding flame of the pioneers.…
The Heart of Craftsmanship: Re:COOPERAGE and the Inventor’s Soul Deep within the grounds of Saburomaru Distillery lies “Re:COOPERAGE,” a regenerative barrel workshop. This is not just a repair shop; it is the cornerstone of President Inagaki’s grand vision to build…
The Invention of ZEMON: Breaking the “3-Year Wait” with Local Pride During the reconstruction of Saburomaru Distillery, President Inagaki faced a wall that threatened the very foundation of his business: the heart of whisky making, the “Pot Still.” Due to…
The Soul of Saburomaru: Meeting the “Edison” of Japanese Whisky My long-awaited visit to Saburomaru Distillery left me completely captivated. The experience was so profound that I’ve decided to share it in a five-part series. For the first installment, I…
Deep within the lush mountains of Hiroshima, there lies a place where time seems to stand still. It is a former railway tunnel, never used for its original purpose, but now serving a far more “spirited” destiny: the aging of…
For any whisky lover, the name “Chichibu” carries a certain weight—a reverence for a place that has redefined the boundaries of Japanese whisky. Recently, I had the honor of embarking on a pilgrimage to this “holy land” to experience something…