Suntory
Shinjori had a passion for Western drinks and he opened a store in Osaka on 1st February 1899. At that time, the Japanese drinks market was mainly sake and shochu, western beverages were not popular.
Undaunted, he set out to set up the first whisky distillery in Japan. In 1923, his dream was realized with the founding of the Yamazaki Distillery in the Vale of Yamazaki. The distillery was set in a beautiful location just outside of Kyoto. It wasn't until 1937, with the introduction of Suntory Kabunin that finally turned the company's fortune around.
Today, Suntory is the best-known whisky maker in Japan, if not in the world. Its whiskies, especially the Yamazaki and Hibiki, have won several international awards and recognitions.
Suntory does not only make whisky; the company also produces beers, cocktails, liqueurs and spirits as well as non-alcoholic drinks.