Suntory Spirits Ltd. has succeeded in a world-first direct-fired distillation trial using 100% H₂ for whisky production at Yamazaki Distillery in Japan. Suntory Spirits proved that the new spirits distilled at this trial have the same quality and taste as those produced by conventional natural gas. This is a milestone moment in the company’s journey to decarbonize its whisky manufacturing while maintaining the quality craftsmanship of its whiskies. The company aims to verify this technology at a commercial scale at its Hakushu Distillery in Japan, where it announced to install the country’s largest 16 megawatt-size Yamanashi model Power-to-Gas (P2G) system and produce green H₂.

Direct firing is regarded as a traditional method of distilling, by which a direct flame is used to heat the still at significantly higher temperatures compared to indirect heating by steam coils. This can enhance spirit quality and depth of character, and for this reason, the company places this method as an essential process for quality craftsmanship in whisky making and uses it for the first distillation at Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries to produce rich and strong new make spirits.

Replacing conventional natural gas with 100% H₂ in this direct-fired distilling process has been a challenging step in decarbonizing whisky manufacturing while maintaining the quality of the new make spirits. After conducting technical verification with Tokyo Gas Group that has technical expertise in H₂ and industrial furnace manufacturer SRC, the trial was carried out at the pilot distillery in Yamazaki Distillery, a small-scale distilling facility specifically designed to enhance such innovative research and development. With necessary safety measures put in place and the combustion equipment adjusted specifically for H₂ use, the trial succeeded in distilling new make spirits with the same quality and taste as those produced by conventional natural gas.

“Ever since we began whisky making at the Yamazaki Distillery in 1923, we have been striving to craft with a relentless pursuit of perfection and persistent innovation,” said Katsunori Kurihara, COO of Spirits, Wine Development & Production Division at Suntory Spirits Ltd. “The whisky business embodies Suntory’s philosophy to inspire the brilliance of life by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. To coexist with people and nature around the world, and to aspire to produce Suntory Whisky beloved by all, we will work towards a net-zero goal while maintaining the quality craftsmanship of our whiskies.”

Within Suntory Group, Beam Suntory also aims to decarbonize its whisky manufacturing in Scotland using green H₂ in partnership with Supercritical Solutions, with support from UK government funding. This H₂ direct-fired distilling trial at Yamazaki Distillery was partially funded by the same UK government funds as the Group collaborates and works towards a common net-zero goal while maintaining the quality craftsmanship of its whiskies. A part of the distilled spirit produced at this trial will be exported to the Group’s Glen Garioch distillery in Scotland to be casked and quality assessed as it matures.