Introduction of Seiichi Koshimizu:
Mr.Koshimizu became the Chief Blender at Suntory in 1999. Since 2014, he has served as Suntory’s Honorary Chief Blender. In 2003, he won a gold award with the Yamazaki 12-year at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC). He is the creator of various exceptional whiskies such as "Hibiki 12-year", "Hibiki 30-year", "Yamazaki 35-year", "Yamazaki 50-year", and "Hakushu 25-year". Seiichi Koshimizu is renowned globally as a legendary blender in the Japanese whiskey industry.
It’s such an honor to invite Mr.Koshimizu to Goalong Distillery.
June 19th Event Details:
1. 10:30 AM: Breakfast with Milk Tea whiskey
On the way to the distillery, we provided everyone with a special milk tea from Changsha and a 50ml bottle of Goalong whiskey. The guests mixed their own Goalong whiskey milk tea and enjoyed the beautiful scenery as they arrived at the distillery.
2. 12:00 PM: Welcomed by Rain
Upon arriving at the distillery, a heavy rain began, bringing cool, fresh air.
During lunch, we served Goalong sake and whiskey, which were well-praised and photographed by the guests as excellent meal companions.
3. 1:30 PM: Distillery Tour
Mr. Koshimizu and the guests began their tour in the rain, starting with the laboratory where the rice steaming process was underway, a crucial step in sake brewing. The room was filled with steam and the aroma of rice. Guests also tasted different acidity levels of chilled sake.
4. 2:00 PM: Distillation Workshop Tour
“This new make is now 73 degrees. Anyone wants to try?” Goalong's head distiller, Luo Feng, explained the distillation process and innovations in detail, and demonstrated the temperature and alcohol content measurements. Guests could bottle their own Goalong Whiekey New Make.
5. 2:30 PM: Awarding of the Friendship Ambassador Copper Seal
Friendship promotes warmth, joy, and cooperation in the whiskey industry. Mr. Koshimizu shared invaluable insights from Japanese whiskey making. Goalong Group’s founder, Mr. Alan Gao, presented Mr. Koshimizu with a copper seal as the Friendship Ambassador of Goalong Distillery and an inscribed calligraphy piece.
6. 2:30 PM: Master Barrel Selection
Goalong’s four seasons cellars house 6,666 oak barrels. Mr. Koshimizu tasted and selected from 4 Chinese brandy barrels, 4 Oloroso sherry barrels, and 4 mizunara oak barrels. The onlookers were deeply moved by his meticulous selection process. In 20 minutes, he chose three favorite single casks and signed them, with guests receiving a sample bottle of the signed single cask.
7. 3:00 PM: Suntory and Goalong Award-Winning whiskey Tasting
The highlight of the whiskey exchange was the clash of ideas. The tasting included:
- Hibiki 21-year (most awarded golden edition)
- Yamazaki Bordeaux Wine Cask (2020 limited edition)
- Yamazaki 12-year (early 80s-90s release)
- Goalong Single Malt whiskey Brandy Cask
- Goalong Single Malt whiskey STR Wine Cask
Suntory whiskey, as the pinnacle of Japanese whiskey, is celebrated worldwide for its unique flavors and exquisite craftsmanship. Goalong Single Malt whiskey also garnered high praise. Goalong's Chief Blender, Hui Guo, and Head Distiller, Luo Feng, asked Mr. Koshimizu about his blending philosophy.
Mr. Koshimizu emphasized that blending different base spirits, even those not perfect on their own, to create an optimal product is the most interesting part of his work.
We also gifted attendees with personalized whiskey bags made from Liuyang’s traditional Chinese Linen, hand-embroidered with their names by local artisans. Additionally, we gave guests and Mr. Koshimizu a bottle of Goalong Single Malt whiskey Batch 2.0, which won gold at the ISC.
8. 7:00 PM: Fireworks and Heartfelt Moments
In Liuyang, we cherish three freedoms: Goalong whiskey, steamed dishes, and fireworks. The evening ended with a romantic fireworks display, where Mr. Koshimizu and his wife shared a tender moment. The sparkling "Seiichi Koshimizu" lit up the night sky, creating a beautiful scene. There were smiles and tears, as this moment symbolized the enduring pursuit of dreams and unwavering dedication.
We know that the journey of Chinese whiskey making is fraught with challenges, but these difficulties strengthen our resolve. We believe that continuous innovation and self-challenge will lead to the success of Chinese whiskey on the world stage. This moment of fireworks not only illuminated our hearts but also lit the path to a brighter future, guiding us towards greater achievements.
Hot Line
86 189 4257 1458
Address
Two Oriented Industrial Park of Liuyang city, Hunan Province, China.