Komasa Kanosuke Distillery announces investment by Diageo

Japanese whisky maker Komasa Kanosuke Distillery has announced a minority investment by Diageo through Distill Ventures.

Kanosuke Distillery, a producer of ultra-premium whisky based in Kagoshima, Japan, was established in 2017 and launched its first single-malt whisky in June of this year.

The investment will support the company’s growth by enabling increased production of whisky, development of new products and the extension of its international sales and marketing teams. 

Kanosuke Distillery will be joining Denmark’s Stauning Whisky, Australia’s Starward Whisky and Oregon’s Westward American Single Malt Whiskey in Distill Ventures’ portfolio of whisky brands.

Frank Lampen, founder and CEO of Distill Ventures, said: “It’s a proud moment for us to have entered into this partnership with this exciting new distillery. Yoshitsugu Komasa and his team are producing wonderful whiskies in a stunning distillery with one of the most beautiful tasting rooms anywhere in the world, and we’re excited to assist him and the team in introducing Kanosuke Distillery to whisky drinkers around the world.”

The founders of Kanosuke Distillery, Komasa Jyozo Co, will retain majority ownership and control of the company. The investment agreement proposes a transition to 50:50 joint ownership with Diageo subject to future performance.