In this article, we’re going to look at four things that every whisky lover, new and old, should know about Japanese whisky so you can fully appreciate this tantalising tipple.
1. Its history
Japanese Whiskey was originally created by Masataka Taketsuru, who went to Scotland and learned how to make scotch whiskey there. Having developed a passion for whisky, he brought it back to Japan and began distilling his own whisky using the same recipe. Like Scotch whisky, Japanese whisky is made with malted barley and is slightly peated.
As the years went on, Japanese distillers gained more confidence in their distilling process and began exploring other methods to distil whisky with other ingredients. As a result, today, we get to taste the distinct flavour of Japanese whisky.
2. Its taste
While Japanese whisky certainly got its inspiration from Scotch whisky and, in some cases, might have some similarities, newer distillers have used different ingredients to make their whisky more distinctive and unique. So, here’s what you need to know about the taste of Japanese whisky:
Like most whisky origins, Japanese whisky has a range of different varieties, all made with diverse flavours. When you compare Japanese whisky to others like rye or bourbon, it’s slightly drier and smokier with some sweetness. In addition to this, many Japanese whiskeys have fruit as their leading flavours, such as peach, citrus, apricot, or berries. Other whiskies might also use your more traditional flavours like vanilla and caramel.
3. Different types of Japanese Whisky
Like their ingredients, Japanese distillers also vary in how they distil whisky. Every Japanese distiller has its own unique style of distilling, creating its own unique range of whisky. This often includes several malts with diverse flavours. They also don’t restrict themselves to one grain, either. Some distillers use malted barley, while others use corn or grain.
4. The barrels
As much as the Japanese appreciate innovation, they will always honour tradition, so it’s no surprise that they use aged wooden barrels to mature their whisky. Some distillers use American oak, while others use Japanese Mizunara oak barrels, which is another contributing factor to the unique taste of Japanese whisky.
The best ways to drink Japanese Whisky
Japanese whiskies are meant to be enjoyed by those who drink them, so while some methods will improve their flavour for you, the ideal way to drink it would be how you enjoy it. That said, knowing how to draw out the best attributes of the whisky would significantly improve your experience. So, here are some of the best ways to drink Japanese whisky:
Drink it neat
Drinking whisky neat in a low-ball glass at room temperature is one of the best ways to experience its undiluted flavour. While whisky on the rocks is often popular, it dilutes the whisky, subtly changing its flavour. Neat would allow you to enjoy its authentic flavour.
Have it on-the-rocks
We can’t rule out drinking a whisky on the rocks, as it still offers you a lovely range of flavours and makes the whisky cold and refreshing. The benefit of this also is that as the ice melts, it’ll dilute the whisky, offsetting the alcohol levels and making it easier on your body.
Pair it with the right extras
Japanese whisky can also be paired well with other drinks or foods. For example, camembert cheese, seafood, steak, or chocolate could go well with a shot of whisky. Just picture a saucy steak with a lovely smoky whisky on the side to wash it down.
Ensure you use the right glass
Using the right glass might not seem like much of an issue for some people, but if you’re going to take things seriously, a low-ball glass would be ideal. This is because a low-ball glass makes it easier to mix other ingredients for making cocktails or for allowing a reasonably sized ice cube to fit in it. That said, whisky isn’t only limited to one type of glass.
Final Thoughts
It may not be the historical type of whisky on the market, but Japanese Whisky is one type of tipple that any whisky lover can appreciate. A few ways you can improve your appreciation for this type of whisky is to know more about its background, the different variations available, and how best to drink it. These are all factors we’ve covered, and hope you found them helpful. Now, go and enjoy the unique taste of Japan.
