What’s a Good Japanese Whiskey?
Sip it, swirl it, sniff it – Japanese whiskey is smooth, complex, and velvety-sweet. Ranked as “World’s Best” by The Whisky Bible, Twice by Jim Murray, and also won gold medals in the International Whisky competition, it’s no wonder that Japanese whiskey has had many rave reviews by whiskey experts. But what makes a good Japanese whiskey?
Subtle and Refined Taste
Good Japanese whiskey showcases the inherent subtlety of both the grain and the malt, while also being surprisingly complex. The full flavor of the whiskey can be attributed to the high quality of the grains and malts used, which are combined with a variety of oak caskers to produce a unique flavor that’s been described as “subtle, smooth, and refined”. What’s more, with the right combination of ingredients, age, and caskers, it’s possible to create a flavor profile that is distinctly Japanese, with a smooth, semi-sweet finish.
Pure Natural Ingredients
Another reason why good Japanese whiskey is so sought-after is because of its all-natural ingredients. Only the finest grains and malts, such as barley, wheat, and rice, are used in the production of Japanese whiskey. The malts are milled by hand and dried with natural charcoal to produce a flavor that is smooth and slightly sweet. In addition, the water used in the distilling process is from the pure and pristine mountain springs of Japan, making sure that only the best quality water makes its way into the bottle.
Careful Process and Attention to Detail
The production process of Japanese whiskey is as special as the whiskey itself. Each bottle takes around five years to produce, with a carefully-crafted process that includes fermentation, distillation, aging, and blending. Every step of the process is overseen by highly-experienced master distillers, who take great care to ensure that the whiskey is of the highest quality.
Authenticity and Tradition
Last but certainly not least, good Japanese whiskey is distinguished by its authenticity and tradition. Most Japanese whiskey companies have been in the business for generations, with highly-skilled master distillers that have been trained in traditional craftsmanship that has been passed down from one generation to the next.
Whether it’s the subtle and refined taste of the whiskey, the all-natural ingredients used in production, the careful attention to detail in the distilling process, or the authenticity and tradition that goes into each bottle, it easy to see why Japanese whiskey is regarded as one of the best whiskeys in the world.
