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.

Unearthing George Washington's Distillery

Who could have imagined that the Father of the Nation of the United States would set his mind on whisky making after retiring from his presidency in 1797? Yet, that is exactly what George Washington did. Shortly after stepping down from his stately duties, he was looking forward to the peacefulness of a sedentary pastoral life which had so far eluded him. Mount Vernon was his sanctuary of choice, and when plantation owner James Anderson met George Washington, he proposed they utilize the watermills, and state-of-art gristmill of Vernon for whisky production.

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.

Bakery Hill Distillery, Australia

Having been constantly told over the years that no other place in the world can produce as good single malt whiskies as Scotland, David Baker, a former food scientist, was irked so much, that he began distilling whisky from 1999. He thought if one could understand the process of whisky making at a molecular level, it might be possible to replicate some of the best single malts from Scotland. With that in mind, he followed the traditional procedures which have been practiced for centuries now, and acquired equipment from some of the leading engineering firms from UK. Since he believes that the most important part of the distillery is the still, and that every dimension in the still influences the flavor, aroma, and the character of the whisky, he took great effort in designing the stills. That is how Bakery Hill distillery was born in Victoria, Australia.