Japan’s Tryst with Whisky: Yamazaki Distillery

Established in 1932 at Shimamoto, Yamazaki is the first ever commercial whisky distillery built in Japan. The ‘Whisky Library’ it is known for, has seven thousand unblended bottles on display. Soaring remarks by visitors from across the world earned the place the prestigious ‘Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year’ title at icons of Whisky, 2015.

Shinjiro Torii, Japan’s master blender initiated the build of this distillery. 1929 saw the launch of the first whisky in Japan, released at a price competitive with other well-known scotch brands in Japan. 1984 marked a significant year with the release of the most admired, Yamazaki 12 Years single malt whisky – an expression of craftsmen’s devotion towards concocting spirits.

The Whisky Museum

Today, the distillery boasts of its highly acclaimed whisky museum that exhibits close to 7000 varieties of malt whiskies. It hosts a tasting corner that offers free trial of whiskies sourced from across the world. You get to experience the aroma of spirits distilled through various methods. The panel and videos display the entire history of the distiller, and that of whiskey in Japan. It offers a soothing environment while you enjoy free drinks at the tasting corner.

A Glimpse of the Products

Yamazaki single malt whiskey earned colossal fame for its brilliant aroma, in the international spirits contest. What sets it apart are the different categories that let you experience disparate fruit and flower fragrances. When you visit Yamazaki, don’t forget to try the 12 Years Succulent with Soft fruit, 18 Years Rich with mature fall fruit, and 25 Years Deep and complex with dried fruit.

South Island: The Real Heartland of New Zealand

With striking mountains, picturesque lakes, crystal clear rivers, and pristine forests, New Zealand’s South Island’s landscape is nature at its best. The place offers a plethora of incredible experiences - from the rugged coastline of the south to the golden beaches of the north. The New Zealand dream comes true, here, in the South Island.

Discovering Asian Drams Yoichi Whisky Expedition

An hour west of Sopporo, nestled in the southeastern ridges of Shakotan Peninsula lies Yoichi. This modest Japanese hamlet- miles away from the bluegrass fields of Kentucky and Scottish highlands, is reminiscent of Japan’s one of the most highly coveted Whisky legacies surrounding Masataka Taketsuru- a man revered as the godfather of Japanese Whiskey.

Glancing at Glen Grant, Moray's Pride

A small village named Rothes in Moray, situated by the river Spey has been home to Glen Grant since 1840. Brothers James and John Grant, founder of Glen Grant spent years smuggling and distilling whisky illegally, before acquiring a license. It was not hard for the brothers to find an ideal location, since Rothes offered almost all. The sea, the port of Garmouth, the river with acres of barley growing by its plains, Rothes was bountiful in all the basic ingredients that make malt whisky.