Experience the Craftsmanship of Locally Sourced Ingredients: Special Seminar on 'Hinomaru Whisky' from Yotsukaido Distillery by Kuchibashi Shuzo, a Long-Established Ibaraki Prefecture Sake Brewer, to Be Held at 'BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon' on July 26 (Sun)

Special Seminar: Yotsukaido Distillery's 'Hinomaru Whisky'

'BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon,' operated by Royal Mile Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku, Tokyo; CEO: Kazunori Shizutani), will host a special seminar on July 26, 2026 (Sunday) from 15:00 to 16:30 (registration from 14:30), welcoming Mr. Toshiyuki Kuchibashi, President of Kuchibashi Shuzo Co., Ltd., the company behind Yotsukaido Distillery in Ibaraki Prefecture, which has gained domestic and international attention for its whisky crafted from the region's rich natural ingredients.

Reservations available here

Event Highlights

Beyond uncovering the profound story behind 'Hinomaru Whisky,' meticulously crafted with locally sourced ingredients, guests will enjoy an exquisite pairing with 'BARREL SMOKE,' an original smoked ham created by Hitachino Ham Kobo. Experience this one-of-a-kind, jewel-like marriage of flavors at the holy ground of bars.

Lecturer: Toshiyuki Kuchibashi, President of Kuchibashi Shuzo Co., Ltd. / President of Kuchibashi Shuzo 1823 Co., Ltd.

After graduating from university, he succeeded the family business of sake brewing. Respecting the historical connection between sake production and local agriculture, he continues brewing under the motto of 'sake rooted in the terroir of Hitachino.' In 1996, he launched Hitachino Nest Beer, and in 2020, established Yotsukaido Distillery in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, solidifying whisky production. In 2023, he founded an in-house malting facility, continuing his commitment and challenge toward crafting Japanese craft whisky using 100% domestic ingredients.

Overview of Kuchibashi Shuzo Co., Ltd. – Yotsukaido Distillery

Located on the eastern foothills of Mount Tsukuba, Yotsukaido Distillery began operations in 2020. Utilizing both pot stills and column stills, the distillery produces not only malt whisky but also various whiskies incorporating Ibaraki-grown barley and wheat, as well as domestically sourced rice. In 2023, the company established its own malting facility within Ishioka City, enabling a fully domestic process from cultivation to processing, allowing for a unique approach to Japanese whisky production. The distillery site also features a visitor center and a ham production facility, offering shopping and dining experiences.

Reservations available here

Event Details

Date and Time: July 26, 2026 (Sunday) 15:00–16:30 (Registration from 14:30)

Venue: BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon

Capacity: 25 people

Participation Fee: 6,000 JPY (tax included)

Offerings: Five types of Hinomaru Whisky + pairing food

Venue Access: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CxQ25gqbQMVHTgUN6 3-12-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022

Inquiries: 03-3353-5888

Venue: BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon

BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon

Opened in 2019 in Shinjuku's Sanchome district as a sister bar to BAR LIVET, this bar is curated by Kazunori Shizutani, holder of the 'Master of Whisky' title.

Primarily featuring Japanese whisky from nearly all active domestic distilleries, the bar offers over 700 brands in total, including Scotch. It also serves over 100 types of whisky-based cocktails called 'Whiskteils.' Additionally, the bar has pioneered over 10 variations each of globally popular cocktails like 'Whisky Sour' and 'Old Fashioned,' consistently ranking high in The World’s Best-Selling Classic Cocktails, and leading innovation in cocktail culture worldwide.

The bar has received numerous prestigious accolades, including being awarded the inaugural Grand Prix title 'The Bar World of Tomorrow' by Time Out Tokyo for being one of Tokyo's most sustainable and forward-thinking bars. It has also been selected as one of 'Tokyo's 10 Best Bars in the World,' attracting global attention from both domestic and international audiences.

Location: 3-12-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/CxQ25gqbQMVHTgUN6)

Phone: 03-3353-5888 Operating Hours: 15:00–26:00

Owner of BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon: Kazunori Shizutani

Current Positions and Public Roles

• Owned Bars: 'BAR LIVET,' 'BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon,' 'BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club,' 'BAR LAST WORD'

• Industry Associations: Deputy Technical Director, Tokyo Chapter, Japan Bartenders Association (N.B.A.) / Council Member, Japan Whisky Culture Revival Association

• Official Roles: Official Taster, Whisky Galore / Judge and Chairman, Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC)

• Production and Management: Producer, SAKI Glass series / Director, Taiki Cosmic Glen Distillery

Expertise and Accolades: Unparalleled Professional Knowledge

Driven by an insatiable curiosity for whisky, he achieved the unprecedented feat of ranking first in Japan across all levels (1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade) of the Whisky Certification Exam. His precise palate has been proven through consecutive victories in blind tasting competitions.

In addition to whisky, he holds professional qualifications in wine, demonstrating deep expertise across all alcoholic beverages. A staunch advocate of fieldwork, he has visited nearly 100 distilleries worldwide.

In 2019, he became the youngest person at the time to earn the highest certification 'Master of Whisky' from the Whisky Culture Research Institute.

Global Recognition and Competition Achievements

In 2019, he was awarded 'THE GLENLIVET Best Ambassador' in Scotland. That same year, 'Glenfarclas Black George,' which he produced, won a triple crown at TWSC 2019—'Grand Gold,' 'Best in Class for Single Cask Scotch,' and 'Best of the Best'—claiming the world's top spot.

Since then, he has served as a judge and chairman at the same competition for six consecutive years.

In cocktail competitions, he has represented Japan in 'Bols Around The World 2019,' won 'CT Spirits Japan Cocktail Challenge 2021,' and placed in the global top 10 at 'Hennessy My Way 2023,' leaving a significant mark on international stages.

Business Expansion and Sustainability

As CEO of Royal Mile Co., Ltd., he received the inaugural 'The Bar World of Tomorrow' award for 'BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon.'

The bar has been recognized as Tokyo's most sustainable bar.

Currently expanding beyond three directly operated locations to include 'Roppongi Whisky Salon' and 'Omiya Whisky Salon (franchise),' he is spearheading a 'Destination Bar' vision aimed at nationwide and international expansion.

Media and Product Development Activities

Active on social media as 'shizutani_en,' he has amassed over 1.2 million followers.

He has provided expert commentary on BS Fuji's 'Whiskipedia,' collaborated with Mitsukoshi Isetan on product development, and participated in distillation and blending at Taiki Cosmic Glen Distillery in Taiki Town, Hokkaido.