Introduction to Japanese Whiskey
Over the last few years, Japanese whiskey has taken the world by storm, with its delicate craftsmanship and remarkable traditional history paired with supremely balanced flavors. The meticulous approach from Japanese blenders and distillers ensures that every sip taken is an experience that transports one into nature, with the precision and attention to detail from the Scottish is what makes it stand out.
There are a variety of reasons as to why Japanese whiskey has risen to such meteoric heights over the last few years. With the amount of praise and awards Japan has received recently in the whiskey industry, Nippon is now being considered one of the powerhouses. The sheer amount of Whiskey connoisseurs around the world shifting their focus to the land of the rising sun comes down to the precision and mastery displayed by distillers from the emerald isle.
From this article, our main goal is to answer the most asked questions revolving around the Japanese brands Suntory and Nikka, dive into the reasons for the relative popularity of the whiskey, and provide insights revolving around the astounding liquor itself.
The History Behind Japanese Whiskey
In the early 20th century, Japanese whiskey started coming to fruition. This story starts in 1923 when Shinjiro Torii, who founded Suntory, tried to make a whiskey that would compete with the Scotch whisky he loved. With the help of master blender Jimmie Russel, Torii constructed Japan’s first whiskey distillery, Yamazaki Distillery, which is located next to Kyoto. Torii aimed to incorporate Scottish whiskey-making skills with the Japanese desire for precision and perfection.
Initially, it was Suntory that started bringing Japanese whiskey to the market. Not too long, though, other distilleries like Nikka started making their own versions. Founded by Masataka Taketsuru, a Japanese who studied Scotch whiskey making, Nikka released its first whiskey in 1940, using the techniques he learned in Scotland.
Over the years, both companies embraced change, helping transform Japanese whiskey from a local secret to a worldwide sensation.
Japan’s Whiskey Giants: Two Frontrunners as Case Studies
3.1 Considered an Industry Leader: Suntory Distilling
As far as Suntory goes, few can argue that it is not the face of Japan’s whiskey production. The brand is known across Japan for the quality of its products, and as a company, it carries deep cultural ties with the rest of the country. Suntory had produced a range of whiskeys, such as the signature Yamazaki and Hiroki series. Elements of nature are often cores whiskey’s themes, and their distilleries are located in beautiful and pure areas of Japan.
Key Products:
- Yamazaki: Japan’s oldest whiskey distillery, famous for its single malt expressions. It often features subtle fruits and floral notes with a smooth, oak-like finishing.
- Hibiki: A blended whiskey celebrated for its harmonious balance and refined complexity. It combines multiple single malts and grain whiskeys, delivering a multi-layered experience.
This whiskey advocate’s “whiskey of the year” award winner also equally emphasizes their solid reputation.
Suntory Whiskies Stand Out From Other Brands Because Of:
- Ranging from fruity and floral to smoky and rich, a complete composition of intricate taste and nuance.
- Scottish methods combined with Japanese aesthetics: Suntory blends customary techniques as well as traditional craftsmanship.
- Environmental influences: The Yamazaki distillery rests in the green and crystal pure regions near Kyoto hills, making for beautiful distilleries.
3.2 Nikka: The Pioneers of Japanese Whiskey
As an equally important figure in placing Japanese whiskey on the globe, founder Masataka Taketsuru visited Taketsuru. He diplomated as a whiskey-making student in Scotland, infusing his knowledge into architecture and Japanese purity. His first distillery, Yoichi, founded in 1934, has undergone offering and authenticating distinct peated whiskeys. Moreover, Miyagiko distillery was also Nikka’s, which further added lighter, more floral, and female varieties of whiskeys.
Key Products:
- Yoichi: Famous for ultraviolet dominant smokiness and high concentration of peat bomb, which Scottish whiskeys dominate on.
- Miyagikyo: A more delicate and refined whiskey, often praised for its balanced sweeter tunes of fruits and cultivated notes from flowers.
The executive and owner of the Nikka company were proud of their fame because they had solved a major issue in the global whiskey industry. As a creative master, Taketsuru is often fêted for his expertise in blending whiskey with high spirits. With constant battles on the lab tests, distilling, and rich, he was able to refine his techniques, making Nikka one of the most respected brands in the world.
Identified Defining Features of Nikka Whiskey:
- Boldly mesmerized strong and dry impacts: infused with louder elements from the Scottish line, primarily dominating this category.
- Single malts and blends: Both single malt and blended whiskeys have been perfected by Nikka, becoming the hallmark of their artistry.
Appreciating and Tasting Japanese Whiskey
Apart from the old traditions that come with whiskey, it is also crucial to know how to taste such a drink. Japanese whiskey is one of the more recent drinks that emerged into the world of whiskey. Now, if you want to taste it properly, here is a 6-step process that you must follow:
- Start with a seized cup where it has a round bottom – the higher side should be wider than the bottom. It will allow the aromas to unlock.
- Add one drink of whiskey and taste only a bit of pour. This is to allow appreciating its multicord character.
- Observe the deeper sink chambers as well. This is important in order to check the range from pale gold to brown.
- Different small whiskeys tend to offer various gentle and delicate aromas. When breathing, capture every detail to appreciate the key complexity whiskeys intend to offer.
- Like all drinks, grabbing a small sip of whiskey allows noticing balance amid sweetness, bitterness, and savory notes.
- Last but not least, a smooth, lingering aftertaste is important, as most Japanese whiskeys offer this distinctive feature.
Answering Your Questions on Japanese Whiskey
1. What sets Japanese whiskey apart from Scotch whisky?
Japanese whiskey is generally considered smoother and more refined than Scotch whisky, which can be robust and smoky with peaty aromas. While both types of whiskey have similarities in production, the Japanese tend to place more emphasis on balance and subtlety in their whiskeys.
2. How do you drink Japanese whiskey?
Like most varieties of whiskey, Japanese whiskey can be served neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails. For the most genuine experience, Japanese whiskey is best enjoyed straight or with a dash of water.
3. Is Japanese whiskey superior to Scotch whisky?
This all boils down to personal preference. Japanese whiskeys are known to be lighter and smoother, while Scotch whiskeys tend to have sharper and more complex flavors.
4. What is the best Japanese whiskey?
Some consider Suntory’s Yamazaki 18-Year-Old and Nikka’s Yoichi as the best, but this remains a matter of personal taste.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese whiskey industry continues to mesmerize spirit lovers around the globe, and for good reason. It began with Suntory’s well-balanced artistry blended with Nikka’s ingenuity, and together, they have propelled Japanese whiskey onto the international stage as an industry powerhouse. The best part about Japanese whiskey is that it doesn’t really matter whether you are an occasional sipper or a seasoned expert, there’s always something new to discover in every bottle.
