"Mohodori Distillery Research Institute" (TEL 0173-23-5805 ) opened on October 1st in Goshogawara, Aomori.

The facility that distills apple brandy using apples from Aomori prefecture. A store space for tasting will be added to the distillery. Mohodori is a Tsugaru dialect meaning "owl". Since owls protect apples from animal damage, they have the meaning of "I want to be like an owl that protects the apple industry."

The operating company is "Sun Apple Brewing Japan" (Tsugaru City). It was established in 2005 by Shinichi Kimura, the president of a farmhouse. Initially, he applied for a brewing license from the National Taxation Bureau to produce cider (Calvados), but once gave up. The brewing license was obtained in March 2021, which led to the opening of this business. "Apple brandy is a processed product recommended in Europe that the president visited 30 years ago, and it has been a long-awaited project since then," said Mami Yamada, a store manager.

The factory area is 150 square meters. Two distillation kettles manufactured by Arnold Holstein of Germany are installed, and the inside of the factory can be seen from the attached store space. Counter seats will be set up in the store space to serve coffee, apple juice, and original cocktails, as well as sell original products in the store.

Distillation uses mashed and fermented apples to retain the flavor of the apples. According to Mr. Yamada, it is a distillation method that is often used in Germany, but it is rare in Japan. The flagship product "Love Vados Apple Brandy" is brewed using the yeast "Shirakami Yeast No. 251" collected in the Shirakami Mountains, a World Heritage Site, and the spring water of Mt. Iwaki. The price is 500 ml bottle = 2,860 yen, 180 ml bottle = 1,518 yen.

Online sales started in earnest on October 25th. Apple brandy is already on sale at supermarkets in Aomori prefecture. In the future, he is considering obtaining a license to manufacture alcoholic beverages such as spirits and gin, and accepting tours to tour the factory with explanations. One month has passed since the opening of the store, and Mr. Yamada said, "The game is about to come. There were many people and acquaintances who supported the store so far. The number of visitors from afar is gradually increasing, and the appeal of Apple Brandy is being conveyed. I'm enthusiastic.

Business hours are from 11:00 to 19:00. Closed on Mondays.