All you need to know about Japanese Whisky
'Whisky, like a beautiful woman, demands appreciation. You gaze first, then drink it".
Japanese scotch whisky is fast becoming one of the esteemed whisky categories in the world. A decade ago, words like Hibiki, Suntory, Yamazaki, and Nikka were not prominent. Now, Japanese whisky has become a drink of choice for whisky connoisseurs. Keeping its price and popularity aside, not only is it an excellent tasting whisky, but the story of Japanese whisky is fascinating.
Let us take you through:
●
A brief history
of Japanese whisky
●
How Japanese
whisky is made
●
6 fascinating
facts you cannot miss!
● Japanese whiskies to try
History of Japanese whisky
In 1919 Masataka Taketsuru went to Scotland to study chemistry,
and there he met Rita Cowan, a Scottish woman. He learned the secrets of
Scottish whisky passport scotch making from her.
In 1923 he shook hands with another Japanese man, Shinjiro Torii. Together the two opened the largest distillery in Japan and have undoubtedly shaped the current Japanese whisky style.
However, the ideas of the two men were quite different.
● Taketsuru wanted to create intense, robust whisky. Therefore, he tried to move the distillery to the northern regions of Japan, where the climate was most similar to Scotland.
●
On the other hand, Torii desired a smoother, more polished
product to cater to the Japanese appetite, which does not use such intense
flavors. He wanted his distillery near Osaka and Kyoto, close to the import and
export vessels.
Torii's
company, Suntory, first started producing apple products named “Dai Nippon
Kaju".
Finally, the first whisky from Nikka, the company of Taketsuru, was launched in 1940 named "Nippon Kaju".
An intense rivalry happened over the years between Suntory and Nikka, which continues even today. If one company launches a new product, the other isn’t far behind with a product of its own.
How Japanese whisky is made?
Technically Scottish but Traditionally Japanese
Main ingredient: It relies
heavily on malted barley for its production. The malted barley is mashed and
distilled twice in pot stills.
Ageing Process: Japanese whisky is aged in wood barrels like Japanese Mizunara oak, American oak, or sherry casks. All of the spicy, sweet, and woody notes come from the ageing process.
Blending: Each company owns a few distilleries scattered over various micro-climates all over Japan. So they can blend their whiskies.
Reason for the high price: This Japanese whisky does not have a single style. The unique taste comes from the blending of whiskies from distilleries spread over the country. This is why the prices are on the higher end.
The 6 fascinating facts
We now see that Japanese whisky is growing in popularity around
the world. So, in honour of its popularity, here are 6 fascinating facts about
Japanese whisky.
Whiskey without the “E” — Japanese whisky is similar to Scottish whisky, rather than American or Irish whiskey. Hence, its name reflects the Scotch tradition and is spelled without the “e.”
Pop Culture Moment — “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.” Japanese scotch whisky makes a noticeable impression in Lost in Translation in 2003. In the film, Bob Harris played the role of Bill Murray. He travels to Japan to promote Suntory whisky.
It’s a Winner — Japanese whisky has been recognized with an international award from the World Whisky Bible coup. Yoichi whisky of Nikki was elected as the “Best of the Best” by Whisky Magazine in 2001. Then, 30-year-old Hibiki of Suntory won the topmost award at the International Spirits Challenge in 2003 and went on getting fame for the next 11 years.
Way of Drinking: Fine Japanese whisky is consumed on the rock or straight. In contrast, blended ones are drunk in cocktails. In winter, Japanese whisky is consumed by mixing hot water called o-yu-wari and in summer, with cold water called Mizu-wari.
No Barrels exchange: The Japanese
industry denies sharing their whisky barrels or stocks with other people or
distilleries. Due to the competing nature of the industry, each brand has its
secret recipes and is unwilling to share this information. This means they
usually make whisky using different techniques and have many distilleries to
formulate new flavours.
Bamboo Filtration & High-Altitude Distillation: Japanese whisky has a distinguished flavour because of the perfect blend that comes from various distilleries situated in the mountains. Instead of traditional charcoal filtration, distilleries use bamboo filtration, giving the whisky a fruitier profile. Due to Japan’s mountainous region, most distilleries are situated 500 and 800 meters above sea level. This helps in producing a clean textured whisky with a rich aroma.
There you have it—your complete guide to Japanese whisky scotch.

4 Fresh DIY Perfumes with Whisky
Whether you enjoy the unique feeling of drunkenness or not, the smell of quality liquor still manages to grab your attention. There are several amazing fragrances available, from the smoky-wood essence of a well-aged whisky to the juniper sharpness of some gin.
Read More
King's County Distillery: New York’s Oldest
They say old is gold. Old distilleries hold an irresistible charm for any whisky lover. And, a search for the oldest operating whisky distillery in New York will lead you to the King’s County Distillery. Standing in a corner on the Brooklyn Navy Yard, this 117-year old distillery was America’s first to open after the Prohibition Era. Beginning the journey in a tiny room in East Williamsburg, the distillery shifted to the waterfront Paymaster Building, a stone’s throw away from the landmark where the Brooklyn Whisky War of 1860s was fabled to have taken place. The King’s County Distillery strikes a note of symphony between the traditional, and the modern. The distillery uses copper stills imported from Scotland with hand-built wooden fermenters sourced locally in their distillation process. It remains one of the oldest, and the most prominent craft distilleries of New York, well known for producing corn whiskey, and bourbon.
Read More
5 rare whiskies to try on World Whisky Day
Whisky aficionados have many names for the drink, such as water of life, liquid sunshine, etc. No matter the name, a bottle of whisky can lift your spirit even on the most worked-up day. Usually, whisky lovers have an affinity for a particular type or brand of whisky.
Read More