Kiuchi Brewery President Toshiyuki Kiuchi leads one of the scores of high-end whisky making ventures that have sprouted across Japan.

Kiuchi Brewery President Toshiyuki Kiuchi leads one of the scores of high-end whisky making ventures that have sprouted across Japan. But Kiuchi fears many may fall by the wayside in a crowded market where they must wait for their product to mature. (Photo by Yuki Kohara) Sake and shochu brewers join rush to open distilleries seeking fresh growth streams ISHIOKA, Japan -- A little more than 200 years after his forefathers founded a sake brewery, Toshiyuki Kiuchi is racking up global awards for one of the latest drinks produced by the family firm he leads -- high-end whisky.