Tankyu Distillery

"Today's snow, tomorrow's whisky."

About Tankyu Distillery

Tankyu Distillery is Japan's first public-private (公設民営) craft distillery, located in the town of Higashikawa, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido. Founded in 2024, the distillery produces single malt whisky and craft gin using pristine spring water from the Daisetsuzan mountain range — water so pure that Higashikawa remains the only municipality in Japan without a municipal water supply.

The distillery was born from Higashikawa's pioneering public-private partnership model: the town provided the land and infrastructure, while co-founders Joseph Cheung and Kit Cheung — creators of the internationally acclaimed Perfume Trees Gin (est. 2018) — bring the craft. Together, they are building a distillery rooted in the land and community of Hokkaido.

Tankyu's signature production method features a 168-hour (7-day) two-stage fermentation process: three days in jacketed stainless steel washbacks followed by four days in traditional wooden vats handcrafted by the 結い物で繋ぐ会 cooper collective. Two Netherlands-made iStill 2000 hybrid stills ensure precision and consistency, with an annual capacity of 65,000 litres of pure alcohol.

Company Overview

Key People

Production Specifications

Product Lineup

Yuki no Mado Dry Gin

Tankyu Distillery's debut gin from Higashikawa, Hokkaido. Fourteen botanicals — including Juniper, Rice Koji, Todomatsu (Hokkaido fir), Yuzu, and Lavender — distilled with Daisetsuzan snowmelt water. 45% ABV · 500ml · ¥4,950. Available in Japan and Hong Kong.

Perfume Trees Gin

Hong Kong's first craft gin, featuring 13 botanicals including White Champaca, Indian Sandalwood, and 15-year aged tangerine peel. Multi-award winning: SIP Awards Platinum, World Gin Awards Gold, Gin Masters Master Medal, CWSA Double Gold, Great Taste 2 Stars. 45% ABV · 500ml. Available in Hong Kong, Taiwan, UK, and Thailand.

Cathay × Perfume Trees Crafted Gin Set

An exclusive collaboration between Cathay and Perfume Trees Gin. The "Dusk & Dawn" gin set features two bespoke gins inspired by the changing skies. 200ml × 2. Available via Cathay Shop.

Pale Ink Coffee Liqueur

The world's first sugar-free coffee liqueur. Gin-based with Ethiopian single-origin cold-brew coffee and Natvia stevia sweetener. Less than 150 kcal per 100ml. 25% ABV · 500ml. Available in Hong Kong and UK.

Thence Botanical Honeyed Elixir

A seasonal series of botanical honey liqueurs crafted with local Hong Kong honey and rotating botanicals. Each limited-edition release captures a fleeting moment of the season. 18% ABV · 500ml · ~HK$390.

Single Malt Whisky

First release expected 2028 (3-year maturation). The distillery began whisky distillation in September 2025.

Awards & Recognition

Key Milestones

Notable Partnerships

• Cathay Pacific — "Dawn & Dusk" exclusive gin set (2025)
• 18th Asian Film Awards — Official Gin Partner (2025)
• TamJai International — Spiced Mixology cocktail bar at Clockenflap (2025)
• The Mills — Permanent tasting room in a heritage arts hub (Ongoing)
• Yung Kee Restaurant — Gin and Cantonese cuisine pairing (2023)
• Town of Higashikawa — Public-private partnership (2024)

Private Cask Program

Tankyu Distillery offers a Private Cask Program allowing individuals and businesses to own a cask of Hokkaido whisky. Four cask types are available:

Distillery Tours

60-minute guided tours of the distillery are available on weekdays (advance booking required). Tours include behind-the-scenes access to production areas, a guided walk through mashing, fermentation, and distillation, and a tasting of craft gin and new-make spirit. Fee: ¥2,000 per person (tax included). Available in Japanese and English.