They have had license to distill whisky since 1919, but didn't use it for 40 years. What kind the then made? In 1984 the were up and running in their new still house with two new pot stills and four stainless steel wash backs. First single malt released in 2007. They distill whisky for two months a year now (May-June). Sake and sochu production occupies the rest of year.