Joy distillery

Introduction to Joy Distillery

A distillery with passion for craft

Joy Distillery is a Japanese craft distillery that beautifully blends traditional whisky-making techniques with innovative approaches. Located in the scenic hills of Hokkaido, this boutique operation has rapidly built a reputation for delivering exceptional spirits created with meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for the craft.

The distillery’s name reflects its philosophy – finding joy in the process of creation and sharing that joy through remarkable spirits.

Why we have a soft spot for Joy

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that create something truly distinctive – both in flavor and identity. Joy Distillery stands out for its experimental approach to barrel finishing, often utilizing Japan’s rich wine and sake heritage to impart unique characteristics to their whiskies.

Their commitment to small-batch production ensures that each release receives the care and attention it deserves, resulting in spirits that consistently surprise and delight.

The story behind Joy Distillery

Origin and development

Joy Distillery was founded in 2016 by Akira Tanaka, a former sake brewer with a passion for whisky. Located in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, the distillery was born from Tanaka’s vision to create Japanese whisky that honors Scottish traditions while embracing distinctly Japanese elements.

Since its foundation, Joy has expanded thoughtfully, maintaining small-scale production while gaining recognition both in Japan and international markets for their distinctive approach to whisky-making.

The people behind

Today, Joy Distillery is led by founder Akira Tanaka and master distiller Haruki Mori, whose background in both Japanese and Scottish distilleries brings a unique perspective to their craft. The small team of just twelve dedicated artisans oversees every aspect of production.

Each decision at Joy reflects the team’s unwavering dedication to quality and innovation, creating spirits that tell the story of their makers’ passion and expertise.

The craft and production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Joy begins with carefully selected barley, including both imported Scottish varieties and locally grown Japanese barley. The distillery uses traditional floor malting techniques for a portion of their barley, a labor-intensive process that connects them to whisky’s rich heritage.

Distillation takes place in handcrafted copper pot stills, designed specifically for Joy to create a spirit with both weight and elegance. The relatively slow distillation process allows for greater copper contact, resulting in a remarkably smooth new make spirit.

Maturation and aging

Maturation occurs in a variety of casks, including traditional ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and – most distinctively – Japanese mizunara oak and sake barrels. The island’s fluctuating temperatures and high humidity create ideal conditions for maturation, accelerating the interaction between spirit and wood.

Many of Joy’s releases are single cask expressions, offering whisky enthusiasts a truly unique experience with each bottle. Their warehouse location near the coast imparts subtle maritime influences to their longer-aged expressions.

Selected products from Joy Distillery

Joy Foundation Reserve – An introduction to the house style

This core expression serves as an excellent introduction to Joy’s distinctive style. Aged for a minimum of five years in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, it offers notes of honeyed malt, green apple, and light vanilla with a gentle spice finish.

At 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, the Foundation Reserve showcases Joy’s commitment to presenting their whisky in its most authentic form.

Joy Mizunara Finish – An experience for connoisseurs

A more complex expression from the distillery, the Mizunara Finish spends its final year in rare Japanese mizunara oak after initial aging in bourbon casks. This creates a whisky with intriguing sandalwood notes, rich spices, and distinctive coconut undertones.

Bottled at cask strength (typically around 58% ABV), this expression reveals new dimensions with each tasting, making it a favorite among serious whisky enthusiasts who appreciate the unique character that mizunara oak imparts.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Joy Distillery offers guided tours that provide an intimate look at their whisky-making process from grain to glass. The small-scale nature of the distillery means visitors get remarkably close to the action, with opportunities to engage directly with the craftspeople.

The tasting experience typically includes 4-5 expressions, including some exclusive distillery-only releases and occasional works-in-progress, providing insight into both the current portfolio and future directions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Joy Distillery?

Joy Distillery is a craft whisky producer based in Hokkaido, Japan that combines traditional Scottish whisky-making techniques with Japanese craftsmanship and innovation. Their approach balances respect for whisky tradition with adventurous finishing techniques to create spirits with a distinct identity.

Where is Joy Distillery located?

The distillery is situated in the highlands of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island. The region’s cool climate, pure water sources, and seasonal temperature variations create ideal conditions for whisky production and maturation.

What characterizes Joy Distillery?

Joy is particularly known for their experimental approach to cask finishing, especially their use of Japanese mizunara oak and sake barrels. Their small-batch production philosophy ensures exceptional quality control, while their Japanese-Scottish hybrid approach creates whiskies that bridge traditions.

Where can I buy whisky from Joy Distillery?

You can find selected bottles from Joy Distillery at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their offerings, selecting both their core expressions and limited single cask releases to provide you access to these special Japanese whiskies.