Kamiki have been around for a few years now and are a realc hallenger to the bug names in Japanese whisky. For decades, Suntory and Nikka were the only well known Japanese whisky brands. They dominated both internal and external markets, both due to their quality as well as the lack of competition.

These days things are changing rapidly. Japanese whisky is some of the most in demand whisky in the world right now and with that has come shortages, as well as huge growth in the number of distilleries that exist.

Kamiki is one of those distilleries and they are doing a pretty good job of finding their place on the market. They have embraced their Japanese heritage, with a focus on creating harmony through their blends, a theme that many Japanese brands cultivate.

They also bring in some of the spiritual aspects of Japanese culture. The distillery is situated in the city of Nara, where the Ōmiwa shrine is found. The Ōmiwa shrine is the tutelary shrine for alcohol producers throughout Japan, meaning it is the shrine of guardianship or protection for alcohol producers.

Kamiki Distillery is found in the foothills of Mount Miwa, which is said to be the mountain of the God. The name Kamiki comes from Kami, meaning God, and Iki meaning, breath, in reference to the wind that comes down the slopes of Miwa.