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
