Dominic Roskrow has written an interesting article about Japanese whisky for Drinks International. The 3 page feature written by the renowned whisky and spirits writer looks at the continuing popularity of Japanese whisky, and the enduring status it has gained globally. While the article delves into people's thirst for Karuizawa and Chichibu with commentary from Marcin Miller, it also presents some interesting figures and foresights into the future of Japanese whisky. For an enjoyable read take a look here.
Logo kindly borrowed from Drinks International
A lively article indeed, Clint. Dominic does not really tell us anything that we would not have known already, right? But he certainly summarises the recent developments in the market quite succinctly. The one piece of information that took me by surprise was that some Bowmore is currently maturing in ex-Yamazaki Mizunara casks - that might be an interesting whisky to taste in the future!
ReplyDeleteYes Pierre, I guess people with a keen interest have heard most of the information already expressed in the article. Still, as you mentioned very lively, and something I enjoyed very much reading. Very therapeutic reading articles on this subject from the big guns of the writing game. And I'm glad you pointed out the ex-Yamazki Mizunara casks that have arrived at Bowmore. I didn't want to spoil that information so I decided to let viewers read it for themselves in Dominic's article and not rewrite it on my post. I must be completely honest and say I didn't know that information, I suspect not many did until that article was published? Fancy that hey, a Bowmore matured or finished in ex-Yamazaki Mizunara. It was bound to happen I suppose given business ethics. Would that mean we could speculate that Yamazaki will use ex Bowmore casks for a finish ha ha!
DeleteSeriously strong post, keep up doing the good work maltmate!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link to the article... being relatively new to Japanese whisky (or rather, whisky itself), I find it a very good read. Reading through it, I suddenly felt so thankful that I could have the opportunity to sample some very interesting Japanese whiskies, including a number of Karuizawa ones. A few memorable drams came to mind as I finished the article. A whisky bar is reopening in town this Friday (Auld Alliance in Singapore), I'll make it a point to sip some more Karuizawa.
ReplyDeleteA very good 2014 to all!
Hi Andy, yes a good introductory and present-day read indeed. As for the Auld Alliance, I have not been there, nor have I unfortunately been to Singapore, but I have heard lots about the bar. When you say "reopening" does this mean the bar was closed for a small time or has it been renovated? From looking at earlier pictures of the bar it already looked grand to me. I have heard there is a very impressive collection of Karuizawa there. A good 2014 to you also Andy.
DeleteYes the bar was closed for a couple months for relocation, you can find its facebook page here:
Deletehttps://www.facebook.com/TheAuldAlliance
The owner was nice enough to open the 1960 double boxed karuizawa to show us. I never thought I'd ever see a bottle of that myself.
Sorry but considering this was an overview of the progress of the Japanese whisky scene internationally, the statement 'Japan has only one craft distillery' is seriously lacking in accuracy.
ReplyDeleteGood observation Brian. I wonder if other distilleries were overlooked, or perhaps other distilleries were categorized as not being 'craft'? Not sure how that would work though. Good point raised.
DeleteWell Akashi and Mars make Chichibu look like a corporate giant : )
ReplyDelete