 Japanese
malt whisky production is very much
modelled on the Scottish system of being double distilled in pot stills.
So its not surprising that many who try
a Japanese Whisky for the first time
find it has more than a slight
similarity to Scotch Whisky. However the
Japanese do have some maturing methods
exclusive to themselves, such as Suntory
who mature their whiskies in casks made
from the rare slow growing
Japanese oak wood.
One Scottish
thing that the Japanese cannot emulate
is the Scottish climate. Japanese
whisky is matured in climates similar to
that which American Bourbon is matured,
so it is quite an interesting comparison between Scotch and Bourbon,
with the Japanese Whisky being produced
with Scotch style methods and matured in
a climate similar to which American
Bourbons are matured in.
You may
also be interested in our special
feature on Nikka Whisky which includes
the history of the company, the whiskies
it produces and tasting notes for all
its core range of whisky. See here
Nikka Whisky
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Japanese Whiskies
|
Suntory Yamazaki
A malt whisky from the first whisky distillery to be built in Japan.
Suntory whiskies tend to be rather
lightly peated and distinctively woody,
with sweet fruity overtones.
|
Nikka
Nikka are said to produce more Scotch
style whisky than their larger rivals Suntory.
Their whiskies
have rather more body to them and have more
character notes of peat, fruit and
elements from a Bourbon cask.
|
Miyagikyo
Single Malt from Nikka's Sendai
distillery, which produces a light,
fruity malt.
|
Sendai
Part of the Nikka group, which was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, a genuine hero in world whisky who studied whisky production in 1920s Scotland, at Longmorn and Hazelburn
among other places. Sendai produces a
Lowland style whisky.
|
Taketsuru
A pure malt from Nikka, named in honour of their founder, who worked at Longmorn, and Hazelburn
distilleries in the early 19th Century.
|
Yoichi
Yoichi was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a genuine hero in world whisky who studied whisky production in 1920s Scotland, at Longmorn and Hazelburn
among other places. Yoichi produces a
big, oily spirit, in the Highland style.
|
Hakushu
Japanese single malt from Suntory's Hakushu
Distillery. Excellent stuff, with a
distinctive peaty character not unlike
Caol Ila.
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Where To Buy Japanese Whiskies Online
|
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As the popularity of Japanese Whiskies
increases they are becoming more
available outside Japan. You will find a
good selection at the following
online whisky shops:
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Some Japanese Whisky Facts
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DID YOU KNOW?:
- The first Japanese whisky was
created in 1924.
- There are now 10 distilleries in
Japan.
- Japan is the 4th biggest
whisky producing country worldwide.
- In March 2002, a Japanese single
malt, the Yoichi 10 years, was voted
best whisky of the year by Whisky
Magazine.
- In 2006, 50,000 bottles of
Japanese whisky were sold in Europe
(compared with 5,000 in 2001).
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Whisky Guide:
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