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Mercian Corporation
Founded
1934
Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
Company type
Blender,
Distiller,
Importer
Parent company
Mercian Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese multinational, Kirin Holdings, and is primarily engaged in the production and distribution of wine and other alcoholic beverages. It was originally founded by Chuji Suzuki as Showa Shuzo Co in 1934, and later renamed Sanraku Shuzo Co in 1949. A series of mergers brought further names changes before it settled on Mercian Corporation (after its popular wine brand) in 1990.
The company became part of the Kirin Group in 2009 having previously been an independent entity. Mercian is notable for launching the Karuizawa single malt brand, and was also the owner of the Kawasaki grain distillery and at one point the Japanese distributor for William Grant & Sons and Jim Beam Brands Co.
1934
1935
1937
1946
1947
1949
1961
1962
1964
1967
1969
1976
1977
1985
1988
1990
2000
2006
2010
2011
2016
Company is founded as Showa Shuzo Co by Chuji Suzuki.
Acquires first license to produce alcohol.
Company begins producing sake.
Company begins producing shochu.
Kawasaki distillery opened.
Company is renamed Sanraku-Shuzo Co.
Company acquires Nisshin Brewery Co and Chateau Mercian.
Yamanashi distillery opens.
Merges with Ocean Whisky Co to become Sanraku-Ocean Co on 1st July.
Production capacity at Karuizawa increased.
Yamanashi distillery closed.
Yamanashi reopens briefly.
Yamanashi closes for the last time.
Coffey still is installed at Kawasaki and grain production begins in June.
First Karuizawa single malt is released in July.
Becomes Japanese distributors for James B. Beam Distilling Co brands.
Company name is shortened to Sanraku Co.
Becomes Japanese distributor for William Grant & Sons brands.
Company renamed Mercian Corporation.
Musée d'Art Mercian Karuizawa opened.
Distilling ceases at Karuizawa on 31st December.
Majority stake in company acquired by Kirin Brewery Company.
Becomes wholly-owned subsidiary of Kirin Holdings.
Remaining 364 casks of Karuizawa are sold to Number One Drinks.
Karuizawa distillery is dismantled.
