If you have been following the history of Japanese whisky keenly, then you already know their first distillery was opened in 1923. However, it was not until 2014 that distilleries in Japan started leaving a mark in the industry. Nowadays, Japanese whiskies are among the most widely sought after in different parts of the world. It is actually not surprising to come across whisky enthusiasts who can never take anything else rather than Japanese whisky. But how has Japanese whisky surpassed the Scotch? Here are some of the most notable reasons.
- Variety
Quite a number of people tend to think there are numerous distilleries in Japan if we are to go with the wide array of single malts in the market. Conversely, this is not really the case since there are only a handful of distilleries in Japan. What each distillery does is to produce different types of single malts and blends every year. Things are very different in Scotland considering most distilleries are focused on producing one type of single malt. This is despite the high number of distilleries you will come across in Scotland.
- Environment
In Japan, most distilleries are situated in remote locations that are known for their pure water and clean rain forest environment. Better, some distilleries such as Yamazaki have their own water source. Keep in mind the purity of the water source is of great importance to the Japanese who have been relying on similar practices for centuries in order to brew their whisky. In addition, most distilleries seem to focus largely on refinement rather than consistency of their blend and malts. No wonder they are able to produce the best whiskies in the world.
- Texture
We can never conclude without talking about the texture of Japanese whisky. If you are yet to try whisky from Japan, then you ought to know that they are masters when it comes to combining subtlety with complexity. They are therefore able to produce mild and smooth whisky thus making you fall in love from the word go. In fact, it is very common to find the Japanese drinking highballs (whisky and soda water) together with food. This different with American and Scotch whiskies as they tend to be somehow harsh and hence you can only drink them on their own.
The Bottom Line
Japanese distilleries have been able to build a name as industry leaders in producing whisky. With changes in the world of technology, you no longer have to visit Japan for you to buy Japanese whisky. All it takes is for you to find a reliable online dealer after which you can place an order from any location you term appealing. Never rush into working with the first online dealer you come across since things may not go as you plan. Instead, carry out a detailed research of all online Japanese whisky dealers if you are to make a well-informed decision hassle-free.