Fuji Gotemba Distillery, established in 1973 through a landmark joint venture between Kirin Brewery, Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, and Chivas Brothers, stands at an elevation of 620 meters (2,034 feet) at the base of Mount Fuji in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This strategic location provides access to pristine groundwater filtered through volcanic rock and a unique high-altitude climate that significantly influences maturation. In 2002, Kirin acquired full ownership, cementing its position as a wholly Japanese distillery. While historically focused on producing malt and grain whiskies for blending—most notably for Kirin's Fuji Gotemba Blended Whisky and Signature Blend—the distillery gained renewed acclaim after 2000 with the introduction of premium small-batch releases. These include the highly regarded 25-year-old single grain and 17-year-old single malt expressions, which showcased the distillery's potential for complexity and finesse, transforming its reputation from a blending workhorse to a producer of distinctive, terroir-driven Japanese whisky.