Japan Flashcards
Who started Suntory Whisky Company?
Shinijoro Torrii
Aka: Torri-san
Who founded Nikka Whisky?
Masataka Taketsuru
Which whisky distilling nation as of 2022 has not increased their total number of distilleries?
Japan
What is a general profile description that could be used for most Japanese Whisky’s?
No cereal background notes with a heightened clarity of aroma
What is “Shibusa” and why is it important to the identity of Japanese Whisky?
“Shibusa” - a sense of simplicity or transparency
Much of Japanese art, culture and design share this focus on purity and expressing the “wabi-sabi” or the essence of an object or experience. This focus and attention to detail is a common theme among the precise whisky’s of Japan.
Which was the first dedicated distillery in Japan?
Yamazaki - Shinjiro Torri (Torii-san) 1923
What year did Yamazaki begin production?
1923
How many times has Yamazaki been rebuilt?
3 times
What significance does the location of Yamazaki Distillery?
Between Kyoto and the port of Osaka, this location at the meeting of three rivers and high quality water was were Sen Rikyu creator of the “Tea Ceremony” built his first tea house.
When did Mars Shinshu Distillery start making whisky?
While it took a license in 1949 to distill, it did not start distillation until 1960.
Which distillery is the highest altitude in Japan?
Mars Shinshu, in the Japanese Alps.
Who currently owns Mars Shinshu Distillery?
Hombo
Who might have been involved in the Mars Shinshu distillery and who’s original recipe was first used, but later abandoned for being too heavy and smoky?
Masataka Taketsuru (founder of Hikka Distilling)
Which is Japan’s Sweetest Whisky?
Mars Shinshu
What was the first Japanese Blended whisky?
Shirofuda - White Label - 1929
Why did Japan’s first blended whisky fail?
Shirofuda - White Label (1929) by Torii-san
It was heavy, smoky, and modeled off more traditional Scotch Whisky’s.
What was the second blended whisky produced and remains one of Japan’s top sellers?
Kakubin - Suntory Whisky - Torii-San - Light style.
What are the two major blended whisky companies in Japan?
Suntory Whisky - Shinjiro Torii (Torii-san)
Nikka Distillery - Masataka Taketsuru
Which was the second distillery for the Nikka Whisky Distilling Company?
Miyagikyo - Matasaka Taketsuru - 1969
What was the first distillery in the Nikka Brand?
Yoichi - 1940 - Matasaka Taketsuru - Island of Hokkaido (Farthest north distillery)
