Does Japanese Whisky Resemble Scotch Whisky

[Vcdman]

i havent yet drunk any japanese whisky. Does it resemble scotch as it is supposed to and if so, does it have similarities to a speceific region ??

[Crane]

Yes Japanese whisky does resemble Scotch whisky as it should because Japanese whisky production is modelled on the Scottish system of being double distilled in pot stills.

The reason the production method is so similar is that the method was brought to Japan by Masataka Taketsuru (and his Scottish wife from Glasgow), Taketsuru is considered the father of Japanese whisky.

Having said that Japanese whisky has its own defining style, yes it is close to Scotch but it is not Scotch. It is still a relatively young industry in Japan, started 1920's but they have improved what they have produced over the years, in fact it has improved so much in recent years some of its whisky is now finding its way to the worldwide marketplace. Certainly a whisky producing country to watch for in the future.

Crane

[John]

Hi Vcdman and welcome to the SMW Forum

Although Japanese whisky is similar to Scotch whisky it does have its own individual character. A defining element of Japanese whisky is that their single malt is not malty. There are no cereal notes. Even a non-malty Scotch single malt will seem to be filled with cereal notes when compared to a Japanese malt. In order to achieve this Japanese distillers avoid any solids from the grist being brought through from the mash tun to the washback.

A wide mix of yeasts, some unique to a single distillery, is also employed, allowing the creation of distinct flavours, while the use of long frementation builds complexity and aromatic elements and reduces cereal elements. And of course the climate in Japan has its part to play.

Yes it is similar but is is not Scotch.

John

[Vcdman]

thanks..

[Big Mac]

Yes thanks for the posts John and Crane, i have learned a bit a Japanese whisky which i didnt know, very interesting.

Mac

[William]

Hi All

I have actually got a load of info about the history of Japanese Whisky, Masataka Taketsuru and Nikka whisky. It was sent to me quite a while back by Nikka whisky, i always meant to do a section on the site using the info but never got around to it. Seeing this post has brought it to mind again and i shall try do something on the site this week with the info i have.

William

[William]

Hi all

I have finally got around to adding a few pages about Nikka Whisky and the Yoichi & Miyagikyo ditilleries. Sorry it is not as comprehensive a guide to Japanese whisky as i would have liked, as i would like to have covered the history of Suntory the other main whisky producer in Japan, hopefully i can get the time to add a piece about Suntory when i find the time meanwhile i hope you find the piece about Nikka and Masataka Taketsuru interesting.

William

Nikka Links

The History of Nikka Whisky

Yoichi Distillery

Miyagikyo Distillery

Nikka Whisky Range And Tasting Notes

Check Prices & Buy Japanese Whisky

[Alastair]

Hi William

Just had a look through the Nikka pages while drinking a Ardbeg 10 (dont have any Japanese whisy), very interesting thanks.

Alastair

[Vcdman]

cool thanks for info

[Charlie]

Thanks William

I didnt know the story of Japanese whisky, i am certainly curious in trying some now to see how similar it is to Scotch whisky.

Charlie

[Islay Pete]

Cheers William i enjoyed reading that, i didnt really know anything about the origins of Japanese whisky. As Charlie says your piece has got me curious to try some to see how alike it is to Scotch.

Pete

[Calder]

Hi William

I just had a look through the pages on Nikka this lunch time, very good and i like the images of Taketsuru and his wife plus the images of the distilleries.

Calder