The History of Japanese Whisky

With Japanese Whisky making history, even gaining Best Whisky in the World awards in recent years, we take a look at some of the history behind this high demand dram.

Who are the key players in Japanese whisky history?

Whisky first made its (recorded) mark in 1923, when the first official whisky distillery was opened by the renowned Suntory brand. At this time there were two leading figures in the Japanese whisky industry, and their legacy keeps them at the top of their game to this day. Perhaps the first to introduce whisky, as it is produced now, to Japan is Shinjiro Torii, founder of Suntory. Torii created the first commercial whisky distillery in Japan, opening Yamazaki in 1923. The first whisky offering from Suntory was the Suntory Shirofuda, or White Label, yet this was not a hit in Japan as it did not fit the tastes of the Japanese consumers. Their second attempt, however, proved successful, and the Suntory Kakubin still remains the best-selling whisky in Japan, and the fifth best-selling globally.

Known as the “Father of Japanese Whisky”, Masataka Taketsuru, founder of the popular company Nikka Whisky, was the other main player in Japanese Whisky history. He fell in love with the drink while studying Chemistry at the University of Glasgow in 1918, making him the first Japanese person to do so. There, outside of his classes, he spent his time working in Hazelburn and Longmorn distilleries, where he studied the art of whisky making. Coming from a sake brewery owning family, Taketsuru was no stranger to alcohol production, and eventually established his own distillery, Yoichi Distillery, in 1940.

Despite there being two main contenders in the Japanese whisky history, the stories of both overlap a great deal, as Taketsuru worked for Torii for over ten years, helping to produce the first whiskies made by Suntory!

Why is it spelt with a missing ‘e’ like Scotch?

The naming tradition of scotch whisky, in which an ‘e’ is not added, is employed for Japanese whiskies. This is primarily due to the fact that Japanese whisky is far more similar to Scotch, in terms of taste and distilling techniques, than those produced in America or Ireland. As such, the Scottish spelling of ‘whisky’ is used. The connections between Japanese whisky and Scotch go far beyond this too, with some Japanese distilleries even importing malted barley from Scotland!

What makes Japanese whisky so popular?

Many people claim that it is Japanese whiskies place in popular culture that has boosted popularity in the recent past. The most prominent appearance of Japanese Whisky, namely the ever popular Suntory whisky, takes place in Sofia Coppola’s 2003 hit film Lost in Translation, which sees Bill Murray’s character, Bob Harris, heading to Japan to film a Suntory whisky ad. “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time!” However, while it can be argued that the film may have helped to boost international appreciation for Japanese whiskies, with the number of awards for quality won by these drinks, it appears that such spirits have done that work themselves through their high standards and luxurious tastes!

How do the Japanese drink whisky?

Japanese whisky pairs incredibly well with Japanese food, so most whisky drinkers in Japan will enjoy their dram alongside their meal. The bold complexities of the whisky compliments the stronger fermented and salty flavours provided by sashimi and sushi, for example. There are two main ways of serving up the whisky itself though – either neat or as a Highball. The Highball is one of the most popular, and common, ways of enjoying whisky in Japan, especially when accompanying a meal. This involves whisky poured over ice, with soda or sparkling water, and a slice of lemon, served in a big glass. ‘Mizuwari’ is another popular beverage style, mixing whisky with water. It is typically two-parts water to one-part whisky, and often also includes ice.

Do you like drinking Japanese whisky, if so which is your favourite bottle? Let us know in the comments below! If you are looking to enjoy a dram or two, then why not pair that with an incredible Cohiba cigar from Havana House!?