Rokkosan Distillery

History

Mt. Rokko was formed millions of years ago. Rain and time have shaped the granite, and here lies the cornerstone of Rokko Mountain Distillery. Malt whiskies that have matured in Scotland are selected and adjusted with the pure water from Mt. Rokko, producing a malt whisky called «六甲山». Rokko Mountain stands as a symbol of the coexistence of cultures in Kobe, where water, forest and city meet and create a historical beginning.

Production / Manufacturing

The distillery selects malt whiskies that have matured in Scotland and tailors them with natural water from the Rokko summit. The production is described as non-peat for some variants and peated for others. One variant is aged in Japanese Mizunara oak casks (水楢樽) and finishes with water adjustment and filtration to preserve clear fruity and woody notes. Another variant finishes in Yoshino cedar wood casks (杉樽) of 72 liters, without water adjustment and without chill filtration, which highlights the aroma of Japanese cedar and fruity notes. Smoky Edition is described as a strongly smoky, peated malt, blended from Rokko-origin native fermentations and a source from the Speyside/Avon river basin.

Products / Whisky Series

• 六甲山蒸溜所 水楢5年 — Non-peat type. Selected Scottish malt whiskies matured in Japanese Mizunara casks and adjusted with the Rokko summits' natural water. 720 ml, 42% vol.

• 六甲山蒸溜所 水楢5年 Peated — Peated variant of the same base, 720 ml, 42% vol; also available in 200 ml and 500 ml bottles at 58% vol.

• 六甲山蒸溜所 ピュアモルトウイスキー杉樽Finish5年 — Pure Malt Whisky finished in Yoshino cedar wood casks (72 L). Not water-adjusted and not chill-filtered. Tasting notes: fresh aroma of Yoshino cedar, apricot and dried fruit in a sweet/honeyed body with a fruity finish inspired by sake.

• 六甲山蒸溜所 Smoky EDITION — A heavily smoked (heavy peated) malt, blended from materials distilled in Rokko and from the Speyside/Avon river area. Notes of campfire, botanical elements and a fresh, cool finish, with pleasant hints of orange zest and sea breeze.

• 六甲山蒸溜所 ピュアモルトウイスキー12年 — Pure Malt Whisky, 12 years. Aroma of marmalade on toasted bread and delicate yellow flowers such as Osmanthus; the palate has honey and banana along with warm spices like ginger. A warm winter mood in a pleasant harmony.

• 六甲山蒸溜所 ピュアモルトウイスキー12年　Peated — Peated variant with honey-orange notes and a peat-smoked aroma of salt and fruit. The taste features pears and red berries alongside dried fruits and a rosy bitter chocolate in the finish. Sophisticated, elegant port-city smoked finish.

Distillery / Visits and Experiences

Rokko Mountain Distillery is located in Kobe, Nada-ku, Rokko Mountain area. A general tour costs 3,000 yen per person and requires advance booking. Tours are limited to fewer than 10 people per visit. Tours start at 10:30–11:30, 13:00–14:00, 14:30–15:30 and 16:00–17:00 every weekend (Saturday and Sunday). No admission for persons under 20 years of age or for pets. Booking via the website or reservation call +81-78-894-2221. Address: Kobe City, Nada-ku, Rokko Mountain-cho Minami Rokko 1034-229.

Philosophy

Mt. Rokko stands as a meeting place where water, forest and city come together to create a history that began millions of years ago and continues through multicultural coexistence in Kobe. Values from the mountains and the city meet, and the story begins here – in this spiritual encounter between nature and human culture.

Safety / Notes

Visitors must reserve in advance and cannot access the facility without a prior booking. Alcohol consumption is not allowed for those under 20. Pets are not allowed inside the area.